Today's defence related news includes coverage of the F35 and false claims against UK troops.
F35 US visit
The Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, Daily Express, Daily Mirror, The Times, The Sun, Daily Star, The Scotsman, The Glasgow Herald, Daily Record and Press & Journal (Aberdeen) all carry stories from a Press Association visit to the US to see the F35, Britain’s newest and most advanced fighter jet. The articles feature interviews with members of 617 Squadron, the home squadron of the F35, with the pilot praising the technology behind the aircraft. Imagery of the F35 is also carried across the articles.
False allegations against British troops
The Sun carries a story this morning that lawyers Leigh Day have continued to pursue a case claiming mistreatment by British soldiers involving an Iraqi who has already admitted lying to make money. The paper says that whistle-blower Basim Al-Sadoon told The Sun in February he had made fraudulent claims to try for compensation, but his case is still among the 450 alleged mistreatment cases lawyers Leigh Day confirmed in April.
An MOD spokesperson said:
It’s shameful that Leigh Day did not immediately drop these claims when Mr Al-Sadoon admitted they were false in February.
Defending false claims comes with a high human and financial cost, including unnecessary distress for our soldiers and their families, so we urge Leigh Day to ensure that only genuine cases are pursued.
Armed forces pay
The Daily Star, The I, The Guardian, The Independent, Daily Express, Daily Mirror, Daily Record and The Scotsman all carry comments from Tobias Ellwood on armed forces pay.
An MOD Spokesperson said:
The Armed Forces Pay Review Body’s recommendations for the 2018 pay award are being considered by the Government and an announcement will be made in due course.
Northern Ireland legacy cases
The Daily Express features a front page splash on legacy cases in Northern Ireland. The article references the recent publication by the Government of a consultation on addressing Northern Ireland’s past.
An MOD Spokesperson said:
The welfare of our personnel and veterans is of the utmost importance and we provide legal and pastoral support to any veteran who requires it. This includes paying for all legal fees and providing a dedicated military team to offer support and advice to veterans.
Afghan interpreters
The Times run a story about Afghan interpreters, who have asked for extra help from the Government. The Sulha Network, which represents around 200 former interpreters who now live in the UK, has asked for them to receive the same support packages offered to British soldiers when they leave the Army.
A Government spokesperson said:
We recognise that interpreters who have relocated to the UK require support when they arrive.
That’s why we provide a comprehensive and tailored package of support, including funds for set up costs and rent, and a lump sum to help with training and integration into British society. Interpreters also have access on arrival to a range of training opportunities through their local Job Centre.
Image of the day
The first of the UK’s F-35B Lightning II jets to be flown to the UK, pictured in May 2016