Today’s defence-related news includes the Duke of Sussex meeting British Army personnel deployed to Malawi and paying tribute to Guardsman Matthew Talbot, who sadly died there earlier this year.
Royal visit to Malawi
In Malawi, the Duke of Sussex watched a joint demonstration between African Parks-managed Malawian Parks rangers and the British Army in Liwonde National Park. The Duke is President of African Parks, which works alongside the Army to enhance ranger training, supplementing ongoing efforts to secure the parks for the benefit of the Malawian people and wildlife.
The visit attracted widespread coverage including pieces in the Daily Mirror, Evening Standard, Daily Express, Daily Star and others.
The Standard quotes the Duke's message that a collaborative approach “across agencies, boarders and continents” was needed to end the poaching of Africa’s animals, such as rhinos and elephants. The Daily Star quotes Guardsman Talbot’s parents, Steve and Michelle, who said he was “passionate about helping endangered animals and would be so happy to know that Prince Harry is in Africa helping to raise awareness of efforts to do this”.
Yesterday evening BBC News and ITV News also featured packages on the royal visit.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:
The illegal wildlife trade is the fourth largest transnational crime behind drugs, arms and human trafficking and can have hugely destabilising consequences. Our Armed Forces are once again demonstrating their versatility and value by contributing to the conservation work taking place in Malawi.
Working with local communities and host Governments is key to our approach, we want to see sustainable, community led solutions that help promote security and stability for both the people and wildlife of Africa.
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