NEWS IN BRIEF
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EUROPE
25 Oct 10. Afghanistan: OP HERRICK. From 1 Jan 06 to 15 Oct 10, 1,511 personnel were Wounded in Action and 3,919 were aeromedically evacuated. (DASA, 29 Oct 10.) From 1 to 15 Oct 10 the figures were 12 and 34.
The UK is currently working with the Afghans to develop a joint Helmand Transition Plan for the period 2011 to 2014. There is clear evidence of progress already made in Helmand over recent months, particularly in Central Helmand. (Ministerial Answer (MA), 25 Oct 10.)
Since October 2007 the UK Reaper remotely piloted air system has flown 1,344 sorties and since May 2008 employed 36 laser guided bombs and 84 Hellfire missiles in support of forces in Afghanistan. (MA, 26 Oct 10.)
“We will continue our efforts to prevent insurgents harming civilians and to develop the capacity of the Afghan Security Forces to protect the population.” (MoD, 27 Oct 10.)
In 2009/10, the UK provided financing of £8.8m for the Afghan National Police and £0.5m for the Afghan National Army. (MA, 27 Oct 10.)
Comment: The Foreign Secretary delivered the first quarterly report (by the new Government) to the House of Commons on progress in Afghanistan. The statement is recorded in Hansard for 27 Oct 10, starting at
Column 326. It is anticipated that the next quarterly report will be given by the Defence Secretary.
ISAF has updated the list of troop contributing nations, as shown on page 3. The overall increase of 10,613 is mainly due to the US contribution having risen by 11,570. Tonga is now committed to ISAF (with troops currently training), bringing the number of contributing countries to 48.
(Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 09/42, 1 Nov 10)
31 Oct 10. Gordon Brown on Monday made a plea to bring more aircraft carrier maintenance work to Scotland as he makes his first speech in the Commons since leaving Downing Street. The former prime minister has since the election largely kept out of the spotlight, making only rare interventions in relation to the global economy and the interests of his constituency, which neighbours the Rosyth shipyard. (Source: FT.com)
BATTLESPACE Comment: No surprises here! Gordon has to keep working for the shipyard workers!
26 Oct 10. Qatar: Relationship Confirmed. His Highness the Emir of the State of Qatar paid a State Visit to the UK from 26 to 28 Oct 10. On 26 Oct 10, the Emir and the Prime Minister “agreed to build a new and dynamic partnership for the future”. The two men reaffirmed the principles contained in the 1971 Treaty of Friendship between the Countries.
Comment: Qatar and the UK are said to enjoy “a special Defence relationship” underpinned by a Defence
Co-operation Arrangement concluded in May 2006. UK Loan Service Officers serve with the Qatari Armed Forces while many Qatari Officers are trained at Dartmouth and Sandhurst. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 09/42, 1 Nov 10)
28 Oct 10. Secret Intelligence Service (SIS): Public Speech. The first ever public speech by a serving Chief of the SIS took place on 28 Oct 10 before an audience of jour