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11/12/2003
Hoon outlines plans for rebalance of armed forces
The British armed forces of the future must be able to "act quickly, accurately and decisively" to new security threats, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon told MPs today.
Presenting the Defence White Paper to Parliament, the Secretary of State said that new security threats were emerging and the military needed to prepare for tomorrow's strategic environment.
"The proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and the threat posed by international terrorism, coupled with the consequences of failed or failing states, present us with very real and immediate challenges," he said.
"Resources must be directed at those capabilities that are best able to deliver the range of military effects required, whilst dispensing with those elements that are less flexible."
The White Paper presents a requirement for the military to be structured and equipped for "rapid deployment" on smaller operations, often alongside allied forces. There will be an increasing role for battlefield technology and precision weaponry.
The Defence Secretary also responded to a new report on the UK's military operations in Iraq from the National Audit Office, which concluded – despite reservations over "difficulties" to supplying frontline troops – that the Iraq campaign was "a significant military success".
(gmcg)
Presenting the Defence White Paper to Parliament, the Secretary of State said that new security threats were emerging and the military needed to prepare for tomorrow's strategic environment.
"The proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and the threat posed by international terrorism, coupled with the consequences of failed or failing states, present us with very real and immediate challenges," he said.
"Resources must be directed at those capabilities that are best able to deliver the range of military effects required, whilst dispensing with those elements that are less flexible."
The White Paper presents a requirement for the military to be structured and equipped for "rapid deployment" on smaller operations, often alongside allied forces. There will be an increasing role for battlefield technology and precision weaponry.
The Defence Secretary also responded to a new report on the UK's military operations in Iraq from the National Audit Office, which concluded – despite reservations over "difficulties" to supplying frontline troops – that the Iraq campaign was "a significant military success".
(gmcg)
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27 January 2004
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Unilateral military action, akin to that employed by Britain and the US against Iraq, undermines the efforts of the community of nations pursuing global peace, according to the UN Deputy Secretary General.
08 September 2003
British contingent sent to join forces in Basra
At the weekend, 120 soldiers in Cyprus - from the Second Battalion of The Lght Infantry - were sent to Basra from RAF Akrotiri. As was widely anticpated Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced today that 2,200 British troops will be sent to Iraq to bolster military operations there, following a review of security operations in Iraq.
British contingent sent to join forces in Basra
At the weekend, 120 soldiers in Cyprus - from the Second Battalion of The Lght Infantry - were sent to Basra from RAF Akrotiri. As was widely anticpated Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced today that 2,200 British troops will be sent to Iraq to bolster military operations there, following a review of security operations in Iraq.
19 April 2011
Army Officers To Deploy To Libya
The UK Government have confirmed that British military officers will be sent to Libya to advise rebels fighting Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's forces. Foreign Secretary William Hague announced assistance to the National Transitional Council in Libya, and the expansion of the UK diplomatic team in Benghazi.
Army Officers To Deploy To Libya
The UK Government have confirmed that British military officers will be sent to Libya to advise rebels fighting Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's forces. Foreign Secretary William Hague announced assistance to the National Transitional Council in Libya, and the expansion of the UK diplomatic team in Benghazi.
25 June 2003
Bodies of Military Police recovered from Iraqi town
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the bodies of six members of the Royal Military Patrol killed yesterday have been recovered from the town of Al Majar al Kabir in Iraq.
Bodies of Military Police recovered from Iraqi town
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the bodies of six members of the Royal Military Patrol killed yesterday have been recovered from the town of Al Majar al Kabir in Iraq.
22 December 2011
Government To Waive Military Wives' Tax
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced the Government will waive VAT on sales of the Military Wives choir's Christmas single, which is set to be this year's Christmas number one.
Government To Waive Military Wives' Tax
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced the Government will waive VAT on sales of the Military Wives choir's Christmas single, which is set to be this year's Christmas number one.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
