Today's defence-related news includes a new study into veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan and HMS Queen Elizabeth's ongoing visit to New York.
New study into Iraq and Afghanistan veterans
The Ministry of Defence will conduct a new study into the cause of death of those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Sunday Times covered the announcement yesterday, explaining that the Ministry of Defence will investigate causes of death and rates of suicide for all personnel who deployed to conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan between 2001 and 2014.
Today Metro and Sky News explain how the investigation will inform the Ministry of Defence's ongoing work to provide excellent care to both serving and former armed forces personnel.
Minister for Defence People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood said:
Our Armed Forces do a magnificent job, and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to each man and woman who has laid their life on the line to keep our country safe.
Most transition successfully into civilian life once they have put away their uniforms, but we cannot afford to be complacent. Mental health problems can affect us all and the wellbeing of our people remains a top priority.
By conducting this vital new study, we are furthering our understanding of the wellbeing of our people so we can continue to provide the best possible care to all who have served.
First Sea Lord vows to send ships through the South China Sea
The Financial Times has published an interview with First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Philip Jones. He said that Britain had an obligation to demonstrate support for its allies in the Asia Pacific region and to resist the flouting of international conventions on the laws of the sea.
The First Sea Lord is currently in New York, where HMS Queen Elizabeth, Britain's biggest warship, is visiting as part of its preparations for operational duty.
Admiral Sir Philip Jones also spoke about the Royal Navy's response to Russian ships approaching UK waters.
"We have to work very hard to understand their intent and to be able to track and cope with what they do," he said. "It's a very significant development in British defence."
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