In Northern Ireland a symbolic handshake moves peace forward
 
After nearly 70 years the heroes of Bomber Command finally get their memorial
 
The concerns of Pakistan as Nato prepares for transition
 
And could Syria’s attack on a Turkish plane ignite the conflict
 
 
PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau
 
STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee
 
Interviews
 
Lord Ashdown on the significance of the Queen & Martin McGuiness shaking hands.
British Forces News reporter Rosie Laydon interviews Pakistan's High Commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hassan
Sky's Chief Correspondent Stuart Ramsay on Syria
British Forces News reporter James Hirst and Annie Haresign on Bomber Command memorial
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)
Alternatively listen again on the website.

SITREP June 21st

Can diplomacy be the solution for Syria or would immunity for Assad be a better option?

Why is the Government investing in Trident when its future remains uncertain?

How the future equipment of the Army will determine the shape of the Armed Forces for years to come

What affect will the proposed changes bring to Forces’ pensions?

And find out why the Dalai Lama has been to Aldershot today…..

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee

Interviews

Sir Andrew Green, former ambassador to Syria

Professor Eric Grove of Salford University on Trident

British Forces News reporter Will Inglis interviewing Major General Carew wilks, Director Land Equipment.

Major General John Moore-Bick, secretary general of the Forces Pension Society

British Forces News reporter Tim Cooper at Aldershot

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

 It's 30 years today since British Forces liberated the Falkland Islands from Argentina.  In a special edition of Sitrep Kate Gerbeau and Matt Teale reflect on the conflict.  They’ll be speaking to the Governor of the Falkland Islands and the man who’s in charge of British Forces today. Plus, hear from the Royal Marine Commander who made victory possible. … And find out what will happen when the future of the Islands is discussed at the United Nations later on today 

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee & Major General Julian Thompson

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

SITREP June 7th

The Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond tells Sitrep how future cuts will change the shape of the British Army

Are the US Drone strikes in Pakistan giving terrorists propaganda to recruit new members?

How British trained troops in  Sierra Leone are helping another war-torn African country

And the Ceremonial Director of the Diamond Jubilee procession shares his memories of the day and his hopes for future events.

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee

GUESTS:

Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond

Washington correspondent Simon Marks on the Drone attacks

BFBS News reporter Ali Gibson on Sierra Leone

Maj Andrew Chatburn, the Ceremonial Director in charge of the Diamond Jubilee procession

Capt Alex Owen form the Household Cavalry Mounted Regt which took part in the Diamond Jubilee procession

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

Syria edges closer to civil war but what can the international community do about it?

There's a stark warning about the Taliban's plans during Nato's exit from Afghanistan.

Why Russia objects to Nato's missile defence

And the Queen celebrates 60 years as head of the armed forces.

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

What measures are being taken to prevent Iran extending its nuclear programme?

What happened at the Nato Summit and how it will affect the future of British Forces

Why Amnesty International has condemned the UN in it’s report.

Memories from Royal Marines & Paratroopers as they return to the Falklands to remember 1982 & landing day

And never mind the singing – find out why the Eurovision song contests is all about the politics

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

INTERVIEWS

Professor Paul Rogers, Dept of Peace Studies at Bradford University discussing Iran/Afghanistan/Amnesty & Egyptian elections

BFBS Reporter James Hirst on the Nato Summit

BFBS Reporter Charlotte Cross in the Falkland Islands

Dr Karen Fricker, on the geo-politics of the Eurovision Song Contest

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

SITREP Trail May 17th
 
What’s on Nato’s agenda as it prepares for the Chicago Summit next week?
 
General Mladic is on trial at the Haig for war crimes – but what measures are in place to prevent another atrocity happening & can anyone ever escape war crimes?
 
How depth therapy is helping the rehabilitation of injured servicemen
 
And the forgotten Battles of Scotland – why should they be remembered?
 
 
PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee
 
INTERVIEWS
 
Sir Malcolm Rifkind previewing the Nato summit in Chicago next week, & discussing European financial crisis and war crimes.
 
Forces News reporter James Hirst on  Nato's forthcoming summit
 
Colonel Bob Stewart on war crimes
 
Forces News reporter Fiona Weir on depth therapy for servicemen
 
Dr Tony Pollard of Glasgow Univesity on Scotland's forgotten battles.
 
 
You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)
Alternatively listen again on the website.

SITREP Trail May 10th

There's been a U-turn over which planes to use on the Carriers - but is it the right decision?

Why there's anger in Scotland over plans to lose some historic regimental names

Why France's new President-elect wants to speed up the withdrawal of French troops from Afghanistan.

And the new memorial to Bomber Command is nearing completion - but why has it taken so long?

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

INTERVIEWS

The Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond on the Carriers

The Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, Jim Murphy, on Carriers and proposed cuts to Scottish regiments.

BBC's Paris correspondent, Hugh Schofield, discussing the new President elect

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

It’s been a year since Osama bin Laden was killed – but has his death weakened Al Qaeda?

 Sitrep gains unique access to Nato’s Maritime Operations centre in Naples.

Find out how the Defence industry is weathering the financial crisis…..

And Olympic security is put through its final tests

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

INTERVIEWS

From Camp Bastion British Forces News’ reporter Simon Newton

BFN reporter Geoff Meade discusses his visit to  Nato’s Maritime Operations centre in Naples

British Forces News’  Will Inglis reports on

British Forces News’ reporter James Banks reports from the latest Olympic military security exercise

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

Has NATO got its strategy right in the lead-up to the Chicago summit in May?

Why the Parliament's financial watchdog is highly critical of the soaring costs of the Carrier programme.

Will the Arctic Convoy veterans finally get the medal they’ve fought so long for?

And all you need to know about the 21 gun salute…..

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

SITREP trail April 19th

Financial help for the future of Afghanistan but will NATO countries be happy to foot the bill?

Why an expert on the region is saying the forecast for peace after 2014 is unpredictable.

How Operation Joint Warrior is helping to promote cooperation with our European allies

And some unusual tales from Falkland veterans…..

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

Interviews:

Dr Michael Clarke, Director of RUSI, The Royal United Services Institute

The head of Nato says Afghan handover is on track but Afghan’s security forces are still concerned about security post 2014

Will the Syrian ceasefire hold – and what happens next?

The invisible scars of PTSD - and is enough being done to help those who suffer?

Plus....the important strategic position the Ascension Islands hold

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

Interviews:

Professor Neil Greenberg , Surgeon Captain Royal Navy &

Piers Bishop: from the charity Resolution Rebuilding Lives on Mental Health Issues

Jon Marks , Middle East analyst on the Syrian conflict and Iran’s nuclear ambition

The Government wants to hold secret court hearings, so,  is there a case for some types of evidence to be heard behind closed doors
 
It’s been a week of reminiscing in the Falkland Islands, but what are the feelings of the Islanders thirty years on?
 
How former servicemen are being trained to fight pirates off the coast of Somalia
 
And why the cost of surrender is a lucrative business……

 
PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau
 
STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)
Alternatively listen again on the website.

SITREP TRAIL 29 March
How much trust is there between British and Afghan forces following the shooting of two British soldiers and what can be done to help prevent another attack?
 
The Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond’s surprise visit to Afghanistan
 
What mistakes were made in the lead-up to the Argentine invasion of the Falklands Islands?
 
And the preparations of the Household Cavalry as they get ready for a busy schedule this summer.
 
 
 
PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau
 
STUDIO GUESTS:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee
Interviews with:
Major Mike Minor on training of Afghan recruits.
Major General Julian Thompson, commander 40 Brigade during the Falklands war.
British Forces News reporter James Hirst from Afghanistan.
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)
Alternatively listen again on the website.

The outgoing ambassador to Afghanistan tells Sitrep how he thinks the exit strategy will work and what sort of future the country could have.

What does the latest Budget announcement mean to defence projects and how will it affect Service personnel’s’ pay packets?

How much support is Latin America giving Argentina over its claims to the Falklands?

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUESTS:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

Interviews with:

Sir William Patey – the UK’s ambassador to Afghanistan

BFBS News Geoff Meade on the Budget

Richard Ralph , former Governor of the Falkland Islands and ambassador to Peru

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

SITREP TRAIL 15 March

Why the PM Cameron and President Obama are determined to stick to the strategy in Afghanistan

Is enough being done to look after soldiers’ mental healthcare?

And why the future of the Joint Strike Fighter could be in jeopardy.

PRESENTER:  Glen Mansell

STUDIO GUESTS:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

interviews with:

Surgeon Captain Morgan O’Connell, on Forces’ mental welfare

Lieutenant General Jonathon Riley, on the military relationship between the US and the Uk and the logistics of withdrawing from Afghanistan

Dr Eric Grove on the Joint Strike Fighter

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

It’s been a tragic week for British Forces in Afghanistan but have the politicians got their strategy right?

Sitrep hears direct from Camp Bastion and get the opinion of a Warrior expert

And find out why next week’s summit between President Obama and PM Cameron is so important to the future of our Forces.

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUESTS:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

Interviews with:

Former foreign secretary  - David Miliband

British Forces News reporter from Camp Bastion -  James Hirst

Christopher Foss, Warrior Expert from Janes defence

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

The RAF put Olympic security to the test

How the Koran burning has affected security in Afghanistan

And the new supply route British forces have secured in the region

As Britain closes it’s embassy in Syria, the UN step up efforts to pass a new resolution

We get an insight into what will happen at this weekend ‘s elections in Russia

And HMS Liverpool goes home to the Mersey to bid a final farewell

PRESENTER:  Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUESTS:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

Interviews with:

Alexander Nekrassov (former advisor to the Kremlin) on Syria & this weekend’s Russian elections

BFBS Reporter Charlotte Cross on Olympic security

British  Forces News reporter James Hirst from Afghanistan on the continuing anger over the burning of the Koran.

British Forces News reporter Geoff Meade on HMS Liverpool’s farewell trip.

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

What more can Nato do to quell the anger of Afghans over the burning of the Koran

As the situation in Syria deteriorates  - how can the international community help?

How the risks of war reporting are balanced with the desire to tell the story

How Afghan’s are winning the fight against corruption

And why the MoD has turned to South Korean shipbuilders…….

PRESENTER:  Glen Mansell

STUDIO GUESTS:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

Interviews with:

Sky’s News’s Chief Correspondent Stuart Ramsay on Syria & war reporting

Foreign Minister Alistair Burt on the situation in Iran.

British  Forces News reporter James Hirst from Camp Bastion on the anger over the burning of the Koran and anti-corruption measures.

British Forces News reporter Will Inglis reporting on defence procurement 

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.

Find out what action NATO & the UK is taking to counter the growing cyber threat

Iran boasts about its nuclear achievements – but how far advanced are they?

Why have MPs from the Defence Committee chosen this sensitive time to visit The Falklands Islands?

And find out the importance of the forthcoming Anglo-French summit.

PRESENTER:  Glen Mansell

STUDIO GUESTS:  BFBS’s defence analyst, Christopher Lee 

Interviews with:

British Forces News reporter Will Inglis reporting on cyber 

Professor Michael Codner from the Royal United Services Institute on Iran & cyber security

MP Patrick Mercer on the Falkland Islands

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and on BFBS Radio 1 at 1830 (UK time)

Alternatively listen again on the website.