Today’s defence related news focuses on the Defence Secretary’s visit to Scotland, the Irish Guards mascot dog and the continuing Salisbury clean up.
Defence Secretary visits Scotland
The Scotsman, Daily Record, the Herald and the Press & Journal feature pieces on Gavin Williamson’s visit to Lossiemouth yesterday. The Defence Secretary cut the turf on a £132 million new facility for the new fleet of submarine hunting P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The new aircraft will work alongside the Type 26 warfare frigates to protect the UK’s submarine deployed nuclear deterrent and new aircraft carriers.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said
These submarine hunters will play a vital role in keeping the UK safe from the increasing threats and aggression we face in the skies, on the sea and below the waves.
This massive investment demonstrates the huge contribution Scotland makes to protecting Britain and how defense generates prosperity and opportunity.
Moray is benefitting from 200 local construction jobs during this building phase, with the number of personnel employed at RAF Lossiemouth growing by 470 to 2,200 people when this is complete.
You can read more about it here.
Irish Guards Mascot
The Sun, Daily Mirror and Daily Mail all report on the Irish Guards wolfhound dog.
An Army Spokesperson said
Domhnall’s welfare is always of utmost importance to the regiment, which is very proud to have him as its mascot. Domhnall has regular health checks - including two this week - to ensure he is being well looked after and is fit for service. Domhnall has also been under the care of a local vets practice throughout his career.
Salisbury clean-up
The BBC and Sky cover the continuing clean up in Salisbury where military experts are assisting in nine sites.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said
The work of our Armed Forces and defence scientists in the wake of the reckless attack in Salisbury has been vital, whether it’s the military assisting the police or Porton Down identifying the chemical nerve agent.
Our troops will now play another important role in the clean-up of potentially contaminated sites in Salisbury, making sure the local community is kept safe. The expertise, equipment and people we have are crucial to help make sure any risk to the public is removed entirely.
I would again like to pay tribute to their professionalism and skill, which has been at the heart of the investigation into this atrocity.