Today’s defence related news includes coverage of HMS Defender’s deployment to the Gulf.
HMS Defender deploys to the Gulf
The BBC, Sunday Telegraph, Mail Online, Mail on Sunday and ITV report that HMS Defender is to deploy to the Gulf. Articles carry comments from the Defence Secretary Ben Wallace on the ship’s deployment.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:
Wherever the red ensign flies around the world, the UK stands by to protect freedom of navigation whenever is it tested.
The men and women of HMS Defender will contribute to the IMSC alongside international partners.
Commander Richard Hewitt, the Commanding Officer of HMS Defender, said:
We always stand ready to take on new missions at short notice, wherever in the world they may be. My ship’s company will work on this new mission with their usual professionalism and dedication, supported by our families back home.
Ensuring freedom of navigation in the Middle East is vital to the prosperity of the UK and our allies. I’m pleased HMS Defender will play her part alongside other Royal Navy warships in keeping these essential trade routes secure.
Royal Navy sailors linked to far right group
The Observer alleges that two Royal Navy sailors are linked to the far right group.
An MOD spokesperson said:
It would be inappropriate to comment specifically on these allegations, but any extremist ideology is completely at odds with the values of our armed forces.
We take allegations of this nature very seriously and would always carry out investigations into such matters when they are made against service personnel.
DE&S contract
The Mail on Sunday reports on a contract, worth potentially up to £4 million, for training and development services. The headline suggests that £4 million could be spent on actors, however only 10% of the potential spend (£400,00) could go on those services.
An MOD spokesperson said:
The requirement for actors only represents 10% of the potential spend.
Like many organisations, we use actors to improve the managerial skills of staff, through role play and scenario training.
We are committed to ensuring that our staff have the right skills so we can continue to run an effective and efficient organisation.
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