Today’s defence news includes coverage of the military support for the Manchester Fire and Rescue Service tackling the fire on Saddleworth Moor.
Fire on Saddleworth Moor
There is widespread coverage, including BBC News, Sky News, Guardian, Evening Standard, The Telegraph, Independent, Reuters, The Times, The Express, Daily Mirror, Mail Online of the military involvement in tackling the large fire at Saddleworth. The coverage has focused on Soldiers arriving overnight in Greater Manchester to assist with tackling the huge moorland fire. Approximately, 100 troops from the 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, have been deployed from their barracks in Catterick, North Yorkshire. Wing Commander Gary Lane has also been giving broadcast interviews on Sky and BBC News alongside Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief Tony Hunter. Both spoke of the invaluable support that has been offered by the Army in helping to control the blaze.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
“I pay tribute to our Armed Forces’ professionalism, dedication and sense of duty. They are proving once again that Britain can always depend on our troops to protect us no matter the time, no matter the place, and no matter the problem.”
