BFBS Radio Sitrep

Protecting those who defend us

Protecting those who defend us

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Investigations into past actions by British forces, from Northern Ireland to Afghanistan, are damaging morale, leading some to quit the forces, and threatening our national security. 

So said 8 retired generals and a retired Air Marshal in an open letter calling on the government to “restore...

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Protecting those who defend us

Released:

Investigations into past actions by British forces, from Northern Ireland to Afghanistan, are damaging morale, leading some to quit the forces, and threatening our national security. 

So said 8 retired generals and a retired Air Marshal in an open letter calling on the government to “restore...

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Award winning Sitrep brings you discussion and analysis on defence, foreign policy and the stories affecting the British Forces. Presented by Kate Gerbeau, with expert analysis from Professor Michael Clarke.

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Sitrep February 14th 2019

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This week on Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee:

Professor Michael Clarke from the new counter-terrorist think tank Co-Jit UK explains why British Intelligence Officers might like to speak to the IS bride who wants to come to the UK.

Forces News reporter Laura Mackin-Isherwood reports from the NATO defence ministers meeting in Brussels.

The London Evening Standard's Defence Editor Robert Fox gives his take on the Defence Secretary's "Paper Tiger" speech.

Naval Historian Professor Eric Grove explains why the Defence Secretary wants to send HMS Queen Elizabeth to the South China Sea.

 Dr Julian Lewis talks about his concerns about French involvement in the production of the Type 26 frigate.

And Christopher Lee has a soppy story about Valentine's Day!

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Sitrep February 7th 2019

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In (today’s) Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee:

Are Islamic State really defeated in Syria or is it wishful thinking by President Trump?

The UK hosts the Nato’s 70th summit later this year – is it chance to modernise the alliance?

Find out why there are now more Gurkhas joining the British Army than in the past 30 years.

And as we wave goodbye to the Tornado, Sitrep looks at how it will compare to other “iconic” RAF aircraft

That’s all in  Sitrep, Thurs at 6.30 UK time, or listen to the Podcast at any time.

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

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Sitrep January 31st 2019

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This week on Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee:

Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood explains why Brexit defence planning is the number one priority at the Ministry of Defence.

Professor Paul Rogers explains the INF treaty and why President Trump is warning the US may pull out.

The new Commander of British Forces in the Falklands, Brigadier Nick Sawyer, gives his first interview and tells Gini Carlin about his plans to improve training there.

RAF Marham is now running on Biofuel - so how does that work?

And new details about work carried out by the Pentagon's top secret UFO research programme with former MOD UFO man Nick Pope.

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Sitrep Thursday 24th January

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What’s behind last weekend’s car bomb in Londonderry?  We speak to Dr Marisa McGlinchey whose forthcoming book "Unfinished Business: The politics of Dissident Irish Republicanism" is out soon.

 

President Trump and North Korea are planning another summit  - but is North Korea still developing nuclear warheads?  Sitrep looks at the meeting from both the US and North Korean perspective with Robert E Kelly, Professor of Political Science at Pusan University in South Korea and Michael Stathis, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Southern Utah.

 

Michael Stathis also comments on the US shutdown and how it’s affecting defence and security.

 

And Glynn Prysor from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission talks to us about memorials and why they get vandalised.

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Sitrep January 17th 2019

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17th January edition

 What would a no-deal Brexit mean for defence?

 

Why France and Germany are strengthening their defence and foreign policies with a new Treaty.

 

The US Shutdown - how does it affect US Defence? 

 

Plus what’s the Royal Navy up to in the South China Seas and what was the SAS man doing at a Nairobi Hotel?

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Sitrep January 10th 2019

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It's out with the old and in with the new for the RAF.  The F-35s are deployment ready while the Tornadoes are being prepared to retire, Aviation Expert Paul Beaver explains the significance.

We speak to Christina Lamb, the Sunday Times Chief Foreign Correspondent, who was recently in South Sudan, about how British soldiers intervened to stop the repeated rape of a group of women there.

What will Turkey do if the US withdraws its forces from Syria? Paul Rogers, Professor of Peace studies at the University of Bradford, explains the impact on the region.

And after Captain Louis Rudd’s successful solo Antarctic trek, Sitrep asks Colonel Neil Wilson, Commander of the Army’s Adventurous Training Group, why adventurous training is so important for the forces.

We also have a tribute to Lord Ashdown.

Did you enjoy the programme?  We’d love it if you left us a review!  Follow us on Twitter: @BFBSSitrep

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Sitrep Review of the Year 2018

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Sitrep looks at the highs and lows of 2018

 

From the Novichok poisoning in Salisbury to President Trump’s historic talks with North Korea’s leader.

 

The RAF celebrated 100 years, the Royal Navy put its new Carrier to sea and we remembered the fallen of first World War in the centenary of the Armistice

 

Plus: will the Modernising Defence Programme deliver what it promises?

 

And what’s in store for 2019?  – How will Brexit change British and European Security?  And what other global threats might our Armed Forces face?

 

GUESTS

General The Lord Dannatt, former CGS

Professor Michael Clarke, defence analyst

Dr Julian Lewis, Chair of the HoC Defence Select Committee

Dr Karin von Hippel, Director General of RUSI

Christopher Lee, BFBS' defence analyst

 

 

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Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook  (after 15.15 UKT)

 

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:00pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

 

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

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Sitrep December 13th 2018

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In this week’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee…

 

In today’s programme Sitrep hears from the Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson, and General Sir Nick Carter,  the Chief of the defence staff  who is rated by many as one of the best modernisers in the army

 

The carnage in Yemen - is there a chance to bring some hope to more than a hundred thousand people made homeless and starving as a result of this war?

 

Why the Afghan interpreters for the British Army fear that they or their families may be killed if the UK sends them back home

 

And has the navy scooped the PR opportunity of the year?  Find out, in today’s Sitrep

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Sitrep December 6th 2018

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In this week’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee…

Should we be banning one of China’s biggest telecoms firms from involvement in Britain’s next-generation mobile networks? The head of MI6 is asking that question, and many of Britain’s global security partners have already taken action – should the UK follow suit?

As Russia threatens to escalate missile production – are we heading into a new Cold War era?

Could climate change create a security crisis triggering a military response?

Plus the ethic of autonomous weapons – as the Army tests a potential killer robot.

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Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook  (after 15.15 UKT)

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

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Sitrep November 29th 2018

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The defence secretary, Gavin Williamson speaks to Sitrep about Ukraine, the Navy and Brexit

 

Will NATO get involved as tensions rise between Russia and Ukraine?

 

The new F35s have been on exercise off the North Sea….

 

And, a pocket guide to UK defence, all you need to know in a nutshell.

 

Sitrep November 22nd 2018

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In this week’s episode with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee….

Has the Matthew Hedges’ case made for tricky relations between Britain and the UAE?   

Is it time to ditch the Russian-American missile treaties and start again?

It’s Thanksgiving in America but is it a bad time to say thank you?

And the Armed Forces Covenant - what has it done for you?

 

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Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook Thursdays (15.15 GMT)

 

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

 

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

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Sitrep November 15th 2018

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In today’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee…..

Brexit – what happens to the military?  Is the Defence Budget threatened and what about NATO?

Does Britain still have influence in the Middle East and has the US lost its global military edge ?

Plus - how does the MoD monitor big defence contracts?

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Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook  (after 15.15 UKT)

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

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Sitrep November 08th 2018

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In today’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee…..

 

A boost to improve care for veterans, but why has it taken so long?

 

America's top thinking General tell us what's wrong with leadership.

 

The US mid-term elections, who are the winners and losers?

 

And, as we look towards the centenary of the Armistice on Sunday - Dan Snow looks back on 100 years of PTSD and …are we getting remembrance right?

 

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Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook  (after 15.30 UKT)

 

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

 

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

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SITREP TRAIL THURS, 1st November 2018 *JAMES HIRST presents today*

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Do millennials understand the Armed Forces?

Defence gets a million in the budget – or does it?

Plus - war games in the snow and the sand

And – what is modern deterrence?

Find out in today’s Sitrep with James Hirst and Christopher Lee

 

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Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook  (after 15.30 UKT)

 

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

 

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

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Sitrep October 25th 2018

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In today’s Sitrep with James Hirst and Christopher Lee…..

As the US prepares to walk away from a nuclear pact with Russia — should we be worried?

A Brexit deal’s agreed for Gibraltar — but what if there’s no deal?

Plus the continuing political row over the treatment of veterans of the conflict in Northern Ireland, and we’re in Australia with

And a special report from the Invictus Games in Australia, hearing from some of those taking part, and some of their supporters...

 

Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook  (after 15.30 UKT)

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

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SITREP TRAIL THURS, 11th October 2018 *Kate Gerbeau presents today*

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In today’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau

 

The bungling Russians spies – and President Putin’s political war on the West,

 

There’s recruitment problems in both Britain and America.

 

Why far-right extremism likes a man in uniform.

 

And the new documentary bringing colour and sound to film footage of the first world war.

 

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Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook  (after 15.30 UKT)

 

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

 

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

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Sitrep October 4th 2018

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In this episode with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee…

Britain accuses Russia of cyber-attacks.  We hear from Sky’s defence correspondent Alistair Bunkall in The Hague plus analysis from Professor Paul Rogers from the university of Bradford.

British troops make history by joining in Japanese war games for the first time. We hear from Paul Madden, the British Ambassador to Tokyo.

The Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson tells us why he’s sending the Royal Marines back out into the snow.

And the human faces behind RAF Drone warfare with the author of Reaper Force, Dr Peter Lee.

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Sitrep September 27th 2018

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In this episode of Sitrep wih Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee:

 

Has the Salisbury Novichock suspect’s real identity been revealed?

 

Brexit – could Northern Ireland stay in the EU?  Tommie Gorman from RTE News explains it all.

 

The Labour Party sets out its foreign policy...James Hirst reports.

 

President Trump's  “Tweet, Fight, Deal” diplomacy.  Does it actually work?  Kate talk to Sir Jeremy Greenstock who isn’t convinced.

 

And are you a Hero if you serve in the Armed Forces?

Sitrep September 20th 2018

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In today’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee

Is the Syrian war over, and if so - who runs the peace?

Why the Taliban are talking peace to an unlikely mediator…

Could Russian hackers fix the next general election?

And… Flying high at a hundred.

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Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook  (after 15.30 UKT)

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

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Sitrep September 13th 2018

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In this week’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee………..

The two Novichok suspects make a public appearance on Russian TV – is Putin playing games with the UK?

Why a British General says don’t write of IS….

Why we need a new counter-terrorism organisation.

And spy stories from behind the iron curtain from a former SAS soldier.

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Check out our Facebook video on the Forces News facebook  (after 15.30 UKT)

PROGRAMME TX THURSDAYS at 4:30pm UK TIME on BFBS RADIO 2 and at 6:30pm UK TIME on BFBS & UK Bases

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via web & App in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum).  On Sky Channel 0211.

Alternatively - listen again on-line, www.forces.net/sitrep or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Download:

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