Tag: Ministry of Defence

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 15 August 2024.

A historic breakthrough in defence trade between the UK, US, and Australia has been announced today following landmark export control changes to benefit the AUKUS partners.

The milestone will enable all three nations to work more closely together to develop next-generation technologies, compete with adversaries and support interoperability in the Indo-Pacific.

It is estimated the reforms – which will lift certain export controls and restrictions on technology sharing – will cover up to £500 million of UK defence exports each year, and billions of dollars of trade across all three nations, helping boost UK economic growth.

Built on strong bonds with Australian and US allies, AUKUS seeks to support security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

Today’s defence trade breakthrough comes via the publication of the UK’s AUKUS Nations Open General Licence, combined with a new exemption to the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) for the UK and Australia, and new national exemptions for the UK and US in Australia’s export control framework. This will lift license requirements for the export and sharing of certain defence products, including advanced capabilities, technical data and defence services.

Together, these historic changes allow AUKUS partners to significantly reduce barriers to defence trade and technology sharing, allowing for faster, more efficient collaboration between scientists, engineers and defence industries. This will benefit all three nations and help deliver the full economic, innovation and security potential of AUKUS.

Defence Secretary, John Healey said:

As tensions increase, and conflicts continue around the globe, our partnerships with our allies are critically important.

This is a breakthrough that will allow our three nations to deepen our collaboration on defence technology and trade. Our new government will reinforce the UK’s role in AUKUS to boost Britain’s military capabilities and economic growth.

Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:

Today’s historic announcement demonstrates how AUKUS is taking our relationship with the US and Australia to even greater heights.

By breaking down barriers to defence trade and cooperation, we’re unlocking huge opportunities for UK jobs and growth – while bolstering global security and stability.

Today’s announcement follows bilateral meetings between the Defence Secretary John Healey and his US and Australian counterparts last month – meeting US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at the NATO Summit in Washington DC and hosting the Australian Deputy Prime Minister & Defence Minister Richard Marles in Sheffield.

The defence trade changes announced today allow for fewer licences for exports, re-transfers, and re-exports within and between the UK, US, and Australia.

This will significantly enhance collaborative opportunities between the governments and defence industries in the three countries and reduce compliance costs and delivery timelines for UK programmes.

Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS Group said:

Since AUKUS’ inception, industry has been consistently clear: closer collaboration between our nations is critical to the successful delivery of the trilateral programme, reiterated at the recent Advanced Capabilities Industry Forum. This is a potentially groundbreaking moment for the UK defence sector, widening our access to our closest allies and increasing opportunities for international trade.

With the third anniversary of the programme approaching, AUKUS partners are committed to working with stakeholders to ensure the changes reap benefits, unlock opportunities, and promote outcomes that support shared interests.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 14 August 2024.

The Royal Air Force are using sustainable aviation fuel on routine operations for the first time.

The Royal Air Force is ensuring Britain is secure while using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on routine operations for the first time – a move that will cut carbon emissions and bolster energy security.

Aircraft including Typhoon and Poseidon submarine hunters, operating from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, are using a blend of conventional and sustainable aviation fuels in a first for the air force as they take to the skies to defend the UK and allies.

Earlier this year, four million litres of blended sustainable aviation fuel were delivered to the Royal Air Force through a contract with World Fuel Services. A further five million litres of fuel will be delivered in the next few months.

The fuel is used to power aircraft operating from Lossiemouth in Morayshire, northern Scotland. RAF Lossiemouth is one of the UK’s busiest RAF stations and is home to Typhoon aircraft who are ready to deploy 24/7, 365 as part of the UK’s Quick Reaction Alert – keeping Britian secure.

Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker said:

“The pioneering use of sustainable fuels on routine operations shows how we’re delivering on our first priority to keep Britain secure without compromise, while addressing our carbon footprint.”

Sustainable fuel sources include hydrogenated fats and oils, wood waste, alcohols, sugars, household waste, biomass and algae. As aviation currently accounts for nearly two thirds of fuel used across defence, this first for the RAF demonstrates the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions with no compromise to national security.

In 2020, the Ministry of Defence updated aviation fuel standards to allow up to 50% sustainable sources to be used in fuel mixes for defence aircraft. Using SAF can cut aircraft carbon emissions by up to 70% and it is a significant step towards bolstering both operational capability and climate change and sustainability efforts, helping the RAF achieve its ambition to be net zero by 2040.

Director Support Air Vice-Marshal Shaun Harris said:

“We remain at the forefront of this important work with industry partners, and introducing sustainable aviation fuel to one of our busiest stations demonstrates our commitment, bringing defence and industry together to reduce our carbon footprint.

“As well as contributing to reduced carbon emissions as part of the Defence Aviation Net Zero Strategy, our ability to use new fuels ensures that the Royal Air Force can continue to operate anywhere we are needed globally.

RAF Lossiemouth’s Station Commander Group Captain Sarah Brewin said:

“The routine use of sustainable aviation fuel represents an important milestone in the RAF’s journey towards helping mitigate against climate change. By integrating sustainable practices into our operations, we are not only enhancing our ability to protect the nation and deliver excellence on operations, but also contributing to a more sustainable future for generations to come.”

The RAF has been trialling different types of fuel since the update to fuel standards. In November 2021, an RAF pilot flew a microlight aircraft powered by synthetic fuel created from air and water in a world-first. In Spring 2022, a drone was flown on synthetic kerosene made by genetically modified bacteria and the RAF has tested an electric aircraft flown at RAF Cranwell.

In November 2022, in a world first for a large aircraft, an RAF Voyager successfully trialled the use of 100% sustainable aviation fuel, flying for 90-minutes from RAF Brize Norton – a joint endeavour between the RAF, DE&S and industry partners Airbus, AirTanker and Rolls-Royce, with the fuel supplied by Air bp.

In 2023, the Royal Air Force successfully used SAF to achieve the first SAF blend air-to-air refuelling of a Typhoon and C-130 Hercules aircraft. During the Royal International Air Tattoo last month, Typhoon aircraft used a SAF fuel blend.

This work has helped to pave the way for the use of sustainable aviation fuels in the commercial sector, including a Government-funded transatlantic flight by Virgin Atlantic last year.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 9 August 2024.

The rare dark bordered beauty moth exists at one last known site in England – a military training area near York.

The Ministry of Defence is working with partners to save the moth from extinction while continuing to use the site to conduct essential training to keep Britain safe.

The Ministry of Defence owns most of the moth’s English habitat, Strensall Common, which is a 570-hectare area of open heathland, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Lying east of the North Yorkshire village of Strensall, in the Vale of York, the site is used for military training, with some areas managed by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and Forestry England.

The small but striking moth is a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Numbers of the dark bordered beauty moth have declined by over 90% since recording first began at Strensall Common, with as little as 50 to 100 believed to remain at the site. The moth’s presence has been recorded at the common since 1894.

The moth favours sheltered locations at the woodland’s edges where its sole foodplant, creeping willow, can be found growing. Creeping willow habitats are threatened by factors such as wildfires and sheep grazing – leading to a steep decline in the moth’s population since systematic monitoring began in 2007.

Grazing of cattle and sheep on Strensall Common is essential to prevent the growth of trees and shrubs and maintain the site’s internationally important lowland heath habitats. However, grazing has caused the loss of creeping willow plants, meaning fewer good sites for the moth caterpillars to feed, and reduced opportunities for the moths to lay eggs in the summer.

To help save the moth from extinction in England, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has provided funding and materials through its Conservation Stewardship Fund to create fenced enclosures around areas of low-growing creeping willow across the training area. Additional funding has been provided by Yorventure, an independent not-for-profit initiative supporting community and environmental projects in the City of York and North Yorkshire.

Defence Minister Luke Pollard said:

The first duty of any government is protecting our citizens, and I commend these conservation efforts to protect the wildlife that call our estate home and have no impact on our essential training activity.

It’s brilliant to see the work we’re doing with partners to safeguard the survival of this wonderful moth while conducting training at the same site to keep Britain secure.

The work has been carried out by the Butterfly Conservation charity with the support of ecologists working for DIO, volunteers from the MOD Strensall Conservation Group, and experts from the University of York’s Department of Biology. Volunteers have also planted creeping willows grown from local seeds across Strensall Common to bolster habitats for the moth.

While these efforts have been instrumental in preventing the loss of the dark bordered beauty moth from Strensall Common, its population remains low and under threat. Conservationists are therefore considering trialling a captive breeding scheme to establish new populations of the moth in surrounding regions of York. This follows a recent project which saw the release of 160 dark bordered beauty moth caterpillars into a site in Scotland’s Cairngorm mountains, where the only other surviving populations of the moth in Britain can be found.

In the meantime, it is hoped that the continuing work to protect habitats for the dark bordered beauty moth at Strensall Common will ensure the site remains a stronghold for the species.

DIO Training Safety Officer and Chair of the MOD Strensall Conservation Group Major (Retired) Patrick Ennis said:

The Defence estate is home to some of the most valuable sites for nature and wildlife in the UK. While the primary use of the land is to enable our military to train, we are equally committed to supporting nature recovery by balancing the conservation of species and their habitats with military training requirements.

The determined efforts of the MOD Strensall Conservation Group, Butterfly Conservation and local experts and volunteers have been key to preventing the dark bordered beauty from becoming extinct at its last known site in England, but unfortunately its numbers are still in decline. Continued collaboration will be essential in giving the moth the best chance of recovering its population.

Head of Conservation (England), Butterfly Conservation Dr Dave Wainwright said:

Despite ongoing conservation work by Butterfly Conservation, MOD and our partners, the dark bordered beauty remains at risk of extinction in England. It is crucial that our work to protect it at Strensall continues; at the same time, we need to restore suitable habitat elsewhere and enable the spread of the moth if its chances of survival are to be enhanced.

Dr Peter Mayhew from the University of York’s Department of Biology said:

The dark bordered beauty population at Strensall Common is of enormous cultural importance as it was the population where the moth was first discovered in the UK, and has been most frequently visited by entomologists interested in finding the moth.

The moth has only survived thanks to the protection of the heathland provided by the military training area. Seeing the moth fly on a sunny morning is a never-to-be-forgotten experience which future generations deserve to enjoy.

The work being undertaken to protect the moth’s habitats is in line with the Government’s commitment to protect and restore nature and deliver the Environment Act targets.

The press release issued by Ministry of Defence on 9 August 2024.

The UK has demonstrated it’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific as a series of major multinational military exercises conclude.

• The Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Royal Marines have taken part in a series of major exercises in the Indo-Pacific region
• Deployments saw UK personnel operate alongside nearly thirty international partners in exercises taking place in Australia, India, and Hawaii
• Exercises demonstrate the UK’s enduring commitment to supporting security and stability in the region, which is critical for the UK economy

Hundreds of UK Armed Forces personnel have been deployed in the Indo-Pacific region this summer to participate in a series of major multi-national exercises across air, land, and sea in support of collective security and stability.

The Indo-Pacific is crucial to the UK’s economy due to the significant trade volume associated with the region and the UK works closely with partners and allies to promote its stability.

Activity throughout the last month has seen Royal Air Force fighter jets fly more than 9,000 miles to train in a series of exercises alongside aircraft from more than 20 different nations, while the Royal Marines landed on the northern shores of Australia as part of a series of amphibious assault exercises.

The deployments provided a unique opportunity to demonstrate the ability of the UK Armed Forces to conduct global deployments and work closely with partners and allies to integrate and operate alongside each other more effectively.

Defence Secretary John Healey said:

This Government is determined to build on our Indo-Pacific commitments.

Euro-Atlantic security is inextricably linked to stability in the Indo-Pacific. These deployments of the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Royal Marines strengthen our bonds and interoperability with our important partners.

Our deployment of the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales next year will further deliver on our commitment to strengthening UK relationships in the region.

Flying more than 9,000 miles from the UK to Australia, six Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets and a Voyager refuelling aircraft joined more than 140 aircraft from 20 different nations for Exercise Pitch Black during July.

The journey to Australia, called Griffin Strike, was carried out jointly with the French Air and Space Force, further emphasising our deep defence ties during the 120th year of the Entente Cordiale.

In week one, the RAF practiced air-to-air combat engagements against another nation, while in weeks two and three the aircrew focused on intercept scenarios in a complex air environment, meaning participants were divided into either ‘red team’ or ‘blue team’, flying from separate locations attacking one another in varying scenarios. The overarching aim was to practice offensive counter-air and defensive counter-air combat in an airspace that is larger than the UK.

Meanwhile, landing on the beaches of Northern Australia, the Royal Marine Commandos conducted amphibious warfighting exercises with Australia, the US and the Philippines. Exercise Predators Run enabled the Commandos to practice deploying from small boats onto the shore, where they could form the spearhead of an assault onto land.

Patrolling the skies around Hawaii, two RAF P-8A Poseidon aircraft also joined 28 other nations at the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises for their longest and furthest range exercise ever. The P-8A is a state-of-the-art multi-role maritime patrol aircraft that excels at anti-submarine warfare, surveillance and search and rescue missions.

And starting this week, an RAF contingent of 130 personnel, six Typhoons, two Voyagers, and an A400M transport aircraft arrived in India to take part in India’s largest multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti. The RAF will fly alongside aircraft from the US, Germany, France, and other nations in the coming weeks.

International alliances are a crucial component of a secure Britain, and domestically the Government will ensure that defence and security are at the heart of economic growth and the prosperity of the UK. In 2023 the defence industry supported more than 200,000 UK jobs to make and sustain the critical equipment used globally by our Armed Forces.

The UK remains committed to upholding the stability of the Indo-Pacific as demonstrated through the Royal Navy’s maintenance of a persistent presence through HMS Spey and HMS Tamar, and in 2025 the Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group will deploy to region to exercise with partners and allies to help promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 8 August 2024.

British F-35B jets have started arriving in Iceland this week to take part in a NATO air policing mission.

This mission will see RAF pilots from 617 squadron defending the alliance’s airspace in the Artic Region.

NATO air policing is a permanent peacetime mission, that preserves the security of Allied skies. It is a collective task and involves the continuous presence of fighter aircraft and crews, which are ready to react quickly to possible airspace violations.

This latest mission comes as the Prime Minister underlined the UK’s cast iron commitment to NATO at its Summit in Washington last month, as he emphasised his determination to safeguard the future of the Alliance and face down global threats to Britain and its western allies.

Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard said:

The UK is unshakeable in its commitment to NATO. With threats increasing and growing Russian aggression, it is vital that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies.

This latest air policing mission in Iceland displays the UK’s ability to operate and deter our adversaries across the alliance’s airspace.

Following a successful mission in Romania, where six Typhoon fighter jets and over two hundred personnel were stationed at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, defending NATO’s eastern border, the RAF will now move to Iceland. This time, four cutting edge F-35B jets from 617 squadron will be patrolling Icelandic airspace, having travelled from RAF Marham.

This is the first time British jets have taken part in such activity in Iceland since 2019, when four Typhoon jets and flew 59 training sorties and more than 180 practice intercepts.

The F-35B Lightning is held at high readiness to deploy in support of UK and NATO operations Worldwide – from both land and sea.​

It is a multi-role combat aircraft equipped with advanced sensors, mission systems and low observable stealth technology. This means that enemy radar systems cannot easily detect the aircraft, giving those nations operating the F-35B a significant tactical advantage in many operational scenarios.

Lightning Force Commander, Group Captain John Butcher said:

This will be the first time that the Lightning Force has deployed to contribute to NATO Air Policing, and will no doubt once again prove the flexibility that this platform offers as it demonstrates its capability to operate from both a land and maritime environment.

RAF Typhoons and Voyagers also conduct air policing in the UK through the Quick Reaction Alert Force, based at RAF Coninsgby, Lossiemouth and Brize Norton, protecting UK airspace 24/7, 365 days a year.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 8 August 2024.

Trilateral statement on the signing of an agreement for co-operation on naval nuclear propulsion.

On 5 August 2024, AUKUS partners signed the trilateral Agreement Among the Government of Australia, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Government of the United States of America for Cooperation Related to Naval Nuclear Propulsion (the “Agreement”).

In March 2023, the AUKUS Leaders announced an ambitious plan to support Australia’s acquisition of a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability at the earliest possible date, while ensuring Australia’s capacity to safely operate, maintain, and regulate this technology. The Agreement will enable AUKUS partners to continue to share submarine naval nuclear propulsion information between the partners, and allow the United Kingdom and the United States to transfer material and equipment to Australia required for the safe and secure construction, operation and sustainment of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS partnership.

Since the announcement of this endeavour, the AUKUS partners have been resolute that this initiative will be undertaken in a way that sets the highest non-proliferation standard, while protecting classified and controlled information, material, and equipment. To this end, the Agreement re-affirms, and is consistent with, AUKUS partners’ respective existing international non-proliferation obligations. As a non-nuclear-weapon State Party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Australia has re-affirmed unequivocally that it does not have and will not seek to acquire nuclear weapons.

The Agreement is a significant milestone and a demonstration of the AUKUS partners’ commitment to delivering this critical capability.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 8 August 2024.

Plans to redevelop Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire, Wales to host a landmark radar initiative have been announced by the Ministry of Defence.

Known as the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC), the initiative will secure long-term jobs and help protect essential satellite communication and navigation networks.

DARC will see a network of ground-based radars in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States provide global space monitoring, increasing AUKUS nations’ ability to detect, track and identify objects in deep space, up to around 36,000km away from earth.

This capability will benefit these nations’ land, air, and maritime forces, as well as protecting critical infrastructure and benefitting domestic construction and space industries. DARC will play a crucial role in AUKUS nations’ ability to support safety and security in the Indo-Pacific and the rest of the world.

Defence Secretary, John Healey said:

The proposed redevelopment of Cawdor Barracks secures jobs at home and defence capabilities for the future.

Space plays a crucial role in our daily lives – used by everything from our mobile phones to banking services. It is also used by UK Defence to conduct vital tasks such as supporting military operations, navigating forces and gathering intelligence.

This new radar programme will not only enhance our awareness of deep space, but also help protect our space assets alongside our closest partners.

Cawdor Barracks has a long history of supporting the UK’s military. The site has been both a Royal Air Force flying station and a Royal Navy base. Currently home to 14 Signal Regiment, the Ministry of Defence announced in 2016 that the barracks would close no earlier than 2028. The redevelopment of the site for DARC would keep the site open, with a permanent presence of up to 100 personnel to operate and maintain the radar capability.

Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens said:

The proposed redevelopment of Cawdor Barracks will help secure jobs in the area as well as protecting our national security.

This is an important project for Pembrokeshire and this government is committed to working with the local community to ensure it is a success.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to undertaking all necessary planning and environmental processes required to gain consent for the proposed redevelopment of the site and its safe operation. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment, including a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, is underway in support of a planning application to Pembrokeshire County Council. The Council’s granting of planning permission is conditional on DARC meeting all the required safety standards.

In particular, the safety processes will ensure that DARC meets international environmental and health standards as set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and the World Health Organisation, and this is standard practice for all MOD installations.

Engagement will also take place with the local community in developing proposals for DARC and there will be two local public information events prior to the statutory consultation period that is required by Pembrokeshire County Council. Members of the MOD DARC programme team will attend these events to discuss the proposals, answer any questions and hear local community views.

Public information events are being hosted over the period 13-14 September 2024.

Friday, 13 September 2024

4pm-7pm

Solva Memorial Hall, 39 High St, Solva, Haverfordwest SA62 6TE

Saturday, 14 September 2024

10am-2pm

St David’s City Hall, High St, St Davids, Haverfordwest SA62 6SD

The information boards will also be uploaded to a dedicated engagement website on Monday, 16 September 2024.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 6 August 2024.

Key NATO partner joins UK Carrier Strike Group global deployment in 2025.

Norway will join the UK’s Carrier Strike Group deployment to Japan and the Indo-Pacific region in 2025, Defence Secretary John Healey has announced today.

It comes as the Defence Secretary welcomed his Norwegian counterpart Bjørn Arild Gram to London today, where the Ministers discussed the maritime deployment, industrial collaboration, support to Ukraine and the urgent need for de-escalation in the Middle East.

The Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, one of Britain’s two aircraft carriers, and accompanied by her escorts and aircraft, will work alongside the Japanese Self Defence Forces and other partners to help defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Norway is a long-standing NATO ally, and part of the Joint Expeditionary Force and Northern Group, whilst also being a strong trade partner with the UK. Their involvement will bolster the Strike Group with two ships, including one frigate, demonstrating that the security of the Euro-Atlantic region and Indo-Pacific is indivisible.

Defence Secretary, John Healey said:

This Government is determined to strengthen our partnerships with European allies to keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

As a close strategic partner, we are delighted to have the Norwegian Navy join the Royal Navy on this historic deployment.

It’s an exciting demonstration of the strength of our nations’ maritime partnership and the deepening of our relationship in the months and years to come.

Norwegian Defence Secretary, Bjørn Arild Gram, said:

The UK is Norway’s closest and most important European Ally. We have a long-standing and very close defence relationship. With this joint deployment we are developing this cooperation even further. The Indo-Pacific is an area of growing importance for global security and stability, also for Europe.

During this deployment we will be able to operate with NATO and other important partners in this part of the world. Finally, during this deployment our Armed Forces will develop skills and proficiency from taking part in allied carrier operations. This is critically important for our national defence.

The Carrier Strike Group deployment in 2025 highlights the strength of the UK’s determination to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific. This has been bolstered by the Royal Navy’s persistent presence in the region through HMS Spey and HMS Tamar.

The deployment will last for around seven months and bring a range of military, security and prosperity benefits for the UK and participating nations. It will reinforce the UK’s commitment to global security, anchored on the NATO Alliance, but also build partnerships with those who share our world view around the globe.

A Carrier Strike Group is a versatile and lethal resource that few countries possess. Always led by an aircraft carrier embarked with F-35B Lightning jets, the rest of the UK formation can be made up of submarines, warships and support vessels, including from other allied navies.

The Carrier Strike Group offers cutting-edge air, surface and underwater defence, but it is also a focal point for delivering wider strategic objectives.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 August 2024.

David Lammy and John Healey visited Israel to push for an immediate ceasefire and drive de-escalation in the Middle East, after their joint visits to the region this week.

• meetings in Qatar, Lebanon and Israel this week aimed to drive de-escalation
• Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary pushed calls for peace and stability on a visit to the Middle East
• the joint visit demonstrates UK’s commitment to keeping the UK safe at home and secure abroad

Defence Secretary John Healey visited Israel today to push for an immediate ceasefire and drive de-escalation in the Middle East, following joint Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary visits to the region this week.

The meeting in Tel Aviv with Israeli Defence Minister Gallant follows a call that John Healey had with the Palestinian Authority earlier this week.

The UK is pushing for an end to fighting, and the Defence Secretary spoke in Tel Aviv on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and to get more aid to Palestinians. He also stressed the importance of a path to a two-state solution.

The visit comes less than a month into the new government, and follows the Foreign and Defence Secretaries first joint visit this week, meeting leaders in the Qatar and Lebanon to encourage de-escalation in the Middle East amid rising tensions.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

This is a critical moment, there’s no doubt about it.

In Lebanon, I had discussions with counterparts on the urgent need for de-escalation. It is in no one’s interest for this conflict to spread across the region.

The risk that the situation on the ground could deteriorate rapidly is rising. My message to British nationals in Lebanon is clear – you should leave while commercial flights are running.

We also need to see an immediate ceasefire, hostages released and aid getting in in sufficient quantity to alleviate the suffering in Gaza.

Defence Secretary John Healey said:

De-escalation must be the first focus in the Middle East.

Meeting with senior leaders across the region, including today in Israel, we urged all sides to show restraint and dial down the tension at this critical moment.

Our government is determined to lead a renewed push for peace. The loss of life we have seen in the region is unbearable and thousands remain in the crossfire.

To set this region on the path to peace, all sides must step back from conflict and step-up diplomacy.

In Lebanon on Thursday, David Lammy and John Healey saw the work being done by British Embassy Beirut to deliver consular support to British nationals in Lebanon. British nationals should not travel to Lebanon and those who are already there should leave Lebanon while commercial flights are still available. The risks in the region are rising and the situation could deteriorate.

Consular teams are working to be prepared for all scenarios but if the conflict escalates, the government cannot guarantee evacuation immediately.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has launched Register Your Presence in Lebanon so we can communicate any important updates directly to British nationals in the country. The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon. British nationals in Lebanon are advised to register their presence and follow travel advice for updates.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 30 July 2024.

Government Armed Forces Pay Announcement confirms starting Armed Forces salary will be in line with National Living Wage for the first time.

The government will “renew the nation’s contract with those who serve”, as it confirms that Armed Forces personnel will receive a 6% pay rise – the largest in 22 years.

This year’s pay award recognises the extraordinary sacrifices made by Armed Forces personnel to protect and serve the UK – and will help address recruitment and retention challenges.

It will also see new recruits awarded the largest increase for more than 20 years, meaning that, for the first time, the starting Armed Forces salary will be in line with the National Living Wage.

It comes as the new government sets out a clear commitment to improving service life and making military careers more attractive. In the recent King’s Speech, the government announced the creation of a new Armed Forces Commissioner – a strong, independent voice for service personnel and their families.

The Defence Secretary has also pledged to bring the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law. Taken together, these measures show a government getting on with the job of supporting Britain’s service personnel and tackling recruitment challenges.

Defence Secretary John Healey said:

We will renew our nation’s contract with those who serve. Our new government’s first duty is keeping the British people safe. And the strength of our defence lies in the serving men and women of our forces.

This pay award will benefit every member of the Armed Forces. It is an important step towards turning around the declining morale and recruitment crisis we have faced in recent years. A clear demonstration of our government’s commitment to improving service life.

This is a first step and we know there is so much more to do. Our new Armed Forces Commissioner will be a strong, independent voice for service personnel and their families, and we will place the Armed Forces Covenant fully into law.

I want to attract the brightest and the best into our Armed Forces, because only with strong national security can we build a confident, prosperous country.

Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, said:

This year’s pay award is testament to the hard work and extraordinary dedication of the Armed Forces at a pivotal time for our security. Alongside a comprehensive benefits package, it aims to ensure our people feel properly recognised and rewarded.

The significant increase in starting pay for new recruits underlines the enormous stock we place in those young people who step forward to serve their nation.  As the world becomes more contested and uncertain, this Award will help us to recruit and retain the high calibre people we need to keep the country safe and help it prosper.

The independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body and Senior Salaries Review Body recommendations for 2024 have been fully accepted by the Government and will be backdated to 1 April 2024.

Highlights from the 2024 Pay Award are:

• Initial Pay (payable to Other Ranks during their first six months or until completion of initial training; whichever is sooner) will increase to £25,200 from 1 April 2024.
• Most Service Personnel up to and including 1-star rank and others in the Armed Forces Pay Review Body’s remit group (including Medical and Dental Officers) will receive an overall 6% pay increase (against 1 April 2023 rates) back dated to 1 April 2024.
• The lowest paid personnel (OR2-01) have been awarded a higher level of investment. In April 2024 they received a 7.25% pay increase, both ensuring they received National Living Wage uplifts at the same time as other public sector workforces and providing a pay rise of c.£1,700 per year for around 6,700 personnel.
• The MOD had also implemented small increases to OR2-02/3 rates on 1 April 2024; This group will see a further uplift under the pay award, providing them with an overall 6% increase above 1 April 2023 rates.
• All members of the senior military (2-star rank and above) will receive a 5% consolidated increase to their base pay.
• The pay award will also see increases to other targeted forms of remuneration.
• The nominal average salary in the Armed Forces will see an annual increase of c.£2,800, as well as an annual increase of c.£1,878 in the starting salary for an officer.
• Service Personnel receive a comprehensive benefits package including subsided food, medical and dental care, accommodation, and childcare.