BFBS Radio Sitrep

Could Britain be about to go to war in Syria after the weekend’s suspected chemical weapons attack in Douma.

If that’s the case, the Sitrep team ask what would be the main aim of conflict?   If British forces take part - what will they be asked to do?  And will this be an open ended commitment?

Also this episode – Could Russia respond to any attack on Syria by using Cyber warfare and if so is Britain ready to deal with a category one attack.

Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee are joined by Professor Michael Clarke formerly the Director General of The Royal United Services Insitute, Hamish de Bretton Gordon the chemical weapons expert and former army officer and Simon Marks from Feature Story News in Washington

In this episode of Sitrep with Tim Cooper and Christopher Lee:

Professor Paul Rogers from the University of Bradford talks about Russia and the Salisbury Novichok attack – was the PM given the wrong information or has she created a new "dirty dossier"?

Elisabeth Braw from the Atlantic Council explains why the Swedes are getting good at fighting off Russian propaganda.

The head of Europol Rob Wainwright tells us about his cyber-warfare worries.

Rear Admiral (retired) Chris Parry tells us why the Royal Navy surface fleet “isn’t fit for purpose”.

In this episode hosted by Tim Cooper with BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee we mark the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland.  Tim talks to Major General Julian Thompson, a former Royal Marine who commanded troops in South Armagh in 1976.  You’ll hear what it was like at the height of the troubles and why the agreement could be affected by Brexit.

Also… 

Salisbury attack: Alexander Nekrassov, a former advisor to the Kremlin has some strong opinions about the Salisbury Novichok poisoning. 

One year till Brexit: Defence writer Sebastian Schulte gives the German view of Britain’s European defence and security relationships.

New Chief of Defence Staff:  General Sir Nick Carter has been appointed, but what’s he like?

And The RAF celebrates 100 years in the sky….hear some classic RAF aircraft sounds!

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Why is the Government so sure the Novichok (pro: Novee- chock) chemical came from Russia?

As we commemorate those killed in the Westminster attack a year ago – Sitrep asks the experts how they think the general public should respond to a terrorist attack?

Could what facebook knows about you send your country to war?

And…. Finally, the Type 45 destroyers are getting an engine refit……….

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 the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

As Britain enters a new, difficult relationship with Russia –how will it hurt Moscow?  And who is on the UK’s side?

There’s a new Secretary of State for President Trump – how will U S policy affect the UK?

And the House of Commons Defence Committee, does the MoD listen to its criticism?

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 the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Today on Sitrep:

Why the Kuwaitis want a greater British military presence in their country.

There’s a look at Britain’s foreign policy in the region with LibDem Defence spokesman Lord Campbell.

The Defence Secretary has had his first grilling by committee. Defence Committee Chair Julian Lewis explains how Gavin Williamson got on.

What are the military options in Syria?  with Hamish De Bretton Gordon.

And why is the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the brink of humanitarian disaster?

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

Nato’s new command structure – what’s changed and why?

In Syria, who’s fighting who?

Should the West be worried about China and Russia’s increasing military power?

And could the damage to Oxfam’s credibility have a serious impact on the search for peace in a region? 

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 the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

In today’s Sitrep programme – Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee examine the potential of a new, long range super-speed missile that can reach a target anywhere in the world within one hour.

Also this week - what’s the true story behind the threat to the Royal Marines and the two ships that float them?

Find out why the British Army has joined the campaign to make 2018 the Year of Engineering.

Plus - the military nurses who fought for votes for women.

And Trump wants a military parade – but will he get one?

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 the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast

In today’s Sitrep programme – Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee discuss how a multi-billion pound black hole in the defence budget could affect future spending decisions.

Also this week, Trump delivered his first State of the Union address...are we now seeing a more presidential President?

Plus, the Chief of the Air Staff talks about the RAF's biggest challenges...

And the former Chief of the Defence Staff, Lord Richards, predicts what might be in store for the new CDS.

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 the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Drawdown in Germany could be partially reversed, but what does that mean for the Army and European defence?

Why the Russian threat is causing concern in the Arctic.

Should we be doing more to protect peacekeepers?

And, DAVOS – what is it and why is it important?

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 the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

The US Ambassador speaks exclusively to Sitrep about the big issues he’s reporting back to Washington.

Today’s Anglo-French summit will boost defence co-operation, but could Brexit cause the two countries to drift apart?

Is Forces accommodation in crisis?

And, find out why cinema audiences are standing up for Churchill

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 the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

What will 2018 have in store for the British Forces?

There’s a bleak forecast for defence from a top analyst but is it really all doom and gloom?

Find out why some people think the British Army is top heavy.

And, who’s in the running to be the new Chief of the Defence Staff?

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 the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

This week (Today) on Sitrep...

How does the world look at the end of 2017?

What sort of shape are Britain's Armed Forces in?

What does Brexit mean for British and European Security?

What difference has President Trump made to the world?

And why we should all be watching what China does next.

That's Sitrep on Forces Radio BFBS, Thursday 6.30pm.

(Available as a podcast or listen again if you miss it!)

European Defence gets serious but Britain wants to be big in Japan.

The Afghan Interpreter who feels he's being treated like a criminal in the UK.

Also in the programme – the Royal Navy says goodbye to Atherstone and Quorn

What tickles the troops?  Is Forces humour different?

And war stories from a seasoned correspondent…..

The Royal Navy's biggest ever ship joins the fleet.

Is Trump's declaration on Jerusalem the scare-story of the year?

Brexit and the agreement that ended the troubles in Northern Ireland.

And should soldiers be able to tweet freely?

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 the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

In today’s programme Sitrep hears from the PM who’s been visiting British troops in Iraq.

Plus…..Is the international response against North Korea strong enough?

Find out why the defence chiefs got a telling off.

Beach landings - do we still need an amphibious capability?

And that rousing regimental boxing speech – Sitrep hears from the officer that made it.

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 the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

Is there a problem with the Type 45 Destroyers?

How much will Britain's F35 aircraft programme cost in the long term?

It's Thanksgiving today in America - but what, in name of Trump, should Americans be thankful for?

And Op Shader -  from the pilot's view in the skies above Iraq.

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 the website, or download the Sitrep Podcast.

SITREP TRAIL THURS, 16th November 2017 (KATE PRESENTS TODAY)

What’s the truth behind the criticisms that the armed forces are close to breaking point without more investment?

What’s going on in Zimbabwe - has Mugabe’s reign finally come to an end

Is Lebanon the new centre for war in the Middle East?

And we pay tribute to one of the first females pilots of the Second World War – Joy Lofthouse.

Nato agrees to three thousand extra troops for their training mission in Afghanistan – but where will they come from?

We feature a special report about British troops training soldiers in war-torn Somalia.

What will be the role of Artificial Intelligence in future conflicts?

And, what if social media had existed during the First World War?  An insight to a unique project allows us to eavesdrop…….find out more in today’s Sitrep.