BFBS Radio Sitrep

Armed forces complaints; Type 32 Frigate; Royal Marines

Armed forces complaints; Type 32 Frigate; Royal Marines

Released:

The Service Complaints Ombudsman tells Sitrep that - despite progress - the system for raising and addressing grievances in the military is not efficient, effective, or fair.

Sitrep looks at what we know so far about the promised Type 32 Frigate first mentioned by the Prime Minister in the funding...

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Armed forces complaints; Type 32 Frigate; Royal Marines

Released:

The Service Complaints Ombudsman tells Sitrep that - despite progress - the system for raising and addressing grievances in the military is not efficient, effective, or fair.

Sitrep looks at what we know so far about the promised Type 32 Frigate first mentioned by the Prime Minister in the funding...

All Episodes

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 November 21st 2013

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In this week's edition of Sitrep.........

How should Britain decide to go to war?

The UK reviews it’s Navy options in Gibraltar.

What’s the significance of the bomb outside the Iranian embassy in Beirut?

And how do toys shape opinions of war?

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee

OTHER INTERVIEWS:

James de Waal, from Chatham House on changes to the decision process that took Britiain to war in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Conservative MP Bob Neill discussing the dispute between Gibraltar and Spain

Child’s play expert Dr Tara Woodyer from Portsmouth University
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

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Sitrep November 14th 2013

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In Sitrep this week…….

 

Details of the humanitarian aid British Forces are giving to the Philippines

 

What next for the UN's talks with Iran over its nuclear plans?

 

How much money did this year’s Poppy appeal raise?

 

And soldier first, Olympian second – Heather Stanning talks about life in Camp Bastion.

 

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee 

 

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

 

The RBL’s 'Head of Fundraising’ - Charles Byrne 

Captain Heather Stanning talking to our reporter Tim Cooper.

Mark Hibbs is a Senior Associate on the Nuclear Policy Programme at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and joins us from Germany…

 

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

 

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Sitrep November 7th 2013

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Why Britain’s Intelligence Chiefs have gone public.
 
What’s the future for  British ship building?
 
Nato gets Jazzy in Eastern Europe.
 
And remembering the fallen - the Royal British Legion’s Head of Remembrance shares her thoughts.
 
PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee 
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS:  Will Inglis speaks to  First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Jonathon Band in Portsmouth about the Bae job losses.
 
Dr Phillips O'Brien, history lecturer at Glasgow University on the future of British ship building
 
Rob Olver  with Nato’s Exercise Steadfast Jazz in Poland.
 The RBL’s 'Head of Remembrance' - Helen Hill .
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)
 
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Sitrep October 31st 2013

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A new warning over PTSD…are young and disadvantaged soldiers at greater risk?

 

As violence escalates in Iraq, could the  problems have been avoided.

 

A special report from Bahrain on Exercise Omar.

 

And…how remembrance is being marked by people of all faiths…and none.

 

PRESENTER: Clare Sadler

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee 

 

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

 

A report on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, by  BFBS reporter Rosie Laydon

 

Jake Wood ,former TA soldier who diagnosed with chronic PTSD.

His book “Among You” is about to be published in paperback

 

Colonel Richard Kemp ,former Commander of British Forces in Afghanistan , discussed the situation in Iraq

 

BFBS Reporter Laura Hawkins reporting  form Exercise OMAR

 

BFBS Reporter Kaija Larke reporting on how people of all different faiths, or none at all, will be marking this year’s remembrance day.

 

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

 

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Sitrep October 24th 2013

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NATO defence ministers have met in Brussels as a new phase begins in Afghanistan..
 
As the so-called Sandhurst in the Sand opens for business Sitrep looks in detail at what makes British military training so special….
 
Why the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is the envy of the world and how African Union troops in Somalia have benefited from British military training.
 
Plus:With piracy being  given the Hollywood treatment in the latest Tom Hanks’ blockbuster– hear how the EU Naval Force are winning the real fight off the African coast
 
 
PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee 
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS: 
 BFBS reporter Rosie Laydon interviews the Defence Secretary Philip Hammond at a meeting of defence ministers in Brussels.

 
BFBS reporter Ali Gibson at the official opening of the Afghan National Army Officer Academy
 
Colonel Roy Parkinson from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
 
Former commander of IMATT, Colonel Jamie Martin.

by Rear Admiral Bob Tarrant, Operation Commander of the European Union Naval Force Somalia and Commander UK Maritime Forces.
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)
 
Alternatively listen again on the website
 

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Sitrep October 17th 2013

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Transition continues in Afghanistan but the fighting goes on.
 
Why there’s a call to postpone more cuts to the army.
 
A preview of the NATO defence ministers meeting, 
 
And retirement plans for HMS Illustrious:, how will she end up: museum, hotel or razor blades?
 
 
PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst Christopher Lee
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS: 
 
 
Colonel Stuart Tootal who commanded 3 Para discussing Afghanistan.
 
Hugh Milroy,Chief Executive of the charity Veterans Aid, talking about the cuts to the Army and recruitment issues.
 
Bill Ferris, Chief Executive of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, who preserve the destroyer ‘Cavalier’ as a tourist attraction.
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)
 
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Sitrep October 10th 2013

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What’s behind the kidnapping of Libya’s prime minister?

 

How the growing terror threat is challenging the UK’s intelligence services

 

President Karzai’s criticises NATO’s performance in Afghanistan and there’s a warning from The Taliban in Pakistan.

 

Who are the new faces in defence in the Government and opposition party?

 

And the campaign to keep British soldiers clean, fit and healthy.

 

 

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST:  BFBS’s defence analyst Christopher Lee

 

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

 

Former Ambassador to Libya, Oliver Miles.

 

BFBS reporter Tim Cooper from Camp Bastion.

 

BFBS reporter James Hirst reporting on MI5’s Andrew Parker’s speech 

 

The BBC’s Rob Watson looking at the new faces in Defence

 BFBS reporter Will Inglis reporting from Germany on keeping soldiers fit.

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Sitrep October 3rd 2013

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How Britain’s footprint in Afghanistan is getting smaller.

 

Are reservists at greater risk of PTSD than regular troops?

 

How high on the agenda was defence at the Tory Party Conference/

 

And we hear from Jeremy Paxman about his new book “Great Britain’s Great War”

 

 

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUESTBFBS’s defence analyst Christopher Lee

 

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

 

BFBS reporter Tim Cooper speaking to Lieutenant Colonel Jon Swift, CO first Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in Afghanistan.

The Defence Secretary Philip Hammond speaking to BFBS reporter James Hirst

BFBS reporter Kaija Larke reporting on Combat Stress

 

BBC Newsnight's Jeremy Paxman discussing his new  book "Great Britain's Great War".

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Sitrep September 26th 2013

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In Sitrep this week, terror in Nairobi.  Who’s behind it and could it happen in Britain?

 

Is Iran coming in from the cold?

 

Why Labour insists it wants to be the political party of the armed forces.

 

And a warning to soldiers to beware of taking gym supplements which could lead to the end of their army career…

 

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUESTBFBS’s defence analyst Christopher Lee

 

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

 

The BBC’s Mark Doyle, from Kismayo inside Al Shabab territory

 

BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee on what Al Quaida might have planned for America.

 

Patrick Smith, Editor in Chief of Africa Confidential discussing Kenya

 

BFBS Reporter  James Hirst reporting from the Labour Party conference & talking to Shadow Defence Secretary Jim Murphy

 

BFBS Reporter  Will Inglis special report on banned substances that soldiers may have unknowingly taken

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

 

Alternatively listen again on the website

 

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Sitrep September 19th 2013

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President Assad of Syria says he will destroy his chemical weapons – but will the Americans have to pay for it?
 
What can America expect from Al Qaida
 
And what does the future hold for Afghan women?
 
Find out what the Liberal Democrats have been saying about defence
 
Will Germany drawdown lead to a shortage of school places for Forces’ children?
 
And  find out why Tunnocks Teacakes were banned by the RAF in the 1960s.
 
PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST:  Professor Michael Clarke, Director General of the Royal United Services Institute for defence and security studies.
 
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS: 
 
Clare Lockhart director of the Institute for State Effectiveness, discussing the plight of Afghan woman.
 
BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee on what Al Quaida might have planned for America.
 
BFBS Reporter James Hirst on the Liberal Democrat party conference that took place in Glasgow this week
 
BFBS Reporter  Ali Gibson speaking to Lieutenant General Andrew Gregory, Chief of Defence Personnel on the New Employment Model,
 
Catherine Spencer, Chief Executive of the Army Families Federation, commenting on fears that Forces families will face a lack of school places in Wiltshire, when they return to the UK from Germany.
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)
 
Alternatively listen again on the website
 

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Sitrep September 12th 2013

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The reaction to President Putin’s direct appeal to the American people about Syria.
 
What are the practicalities of removing Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile?
 
Why are the Afghan National Army suffering such big losses in Sangin?
 
What’s the future for defence procurement?
 
And,what was life like for the women working at Churchill’s School for Spies?
 
 
PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee  & Professor Eric Grove, Professor of Naval History and Senior Fellow in Security Studies at Liverpool Hope University
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS: 
 
Chris Abbott, a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Specialist, discussing Syria's chemical weapons.
 
BFBS reporter Geoff Meade reporting from Camp Bastion
 
BFBS reporter Will Inglis  Defence Equipment Minister Philip Dunne about the defence industry
 
BFBS reporter Claire Sadler interviews Noreen Riols author of “The Secret Ministry of A G and Fish”
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)
 
Alternatively listen again on the website
 

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Sitrep September 5th 2013

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Can the international community agree on a plan of action for Syria?
 
What will be the long-term impact of the growing humanitarian crisis?
 
There’s increased military activity in the Mediterranean, but what does it mean for Cyprus?
 
Find out about the young Winston Churchill’s early battle experience in Afghanistan.
 
And ….discover a place where computers can still take a backseat to old-fashioned maps
 
PRESENTER: Claire Sadler
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee  & Daily Telegraph’s Defence Editor Con Coughlin
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS: 
 
BFBS reporter Carla Prater from Akrotiri , Cyprus
 
BFBS reporter Will Inglis investigating war games
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)
 
Alternatively listen again on the website

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Sitrep August 29th 2013

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As the situation grows into a global crisis Sitrep guides you through all the developments…

From the country's origins, after the First World War - to the present day, we ask what went wrong?

What can the UK do?  Plus: the likely consequences & fallout if the West does attack Syria.  That’s all in Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau today at…………………..

 

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee  & Dr Martin Macauley, international affairs analyst.

 

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

 

Sir Andrew Green, former ambassador to Syria

 

BFBS reporter James Hirst looks at Syria’s recent history

 

Professor Michael Stathis, Professor of Political Science & International Relations at Southern Utah University discusses America’s position

 

BBC’s political correspondent Rob Watson on UK public opinion

 

 

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

 

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Sitrep August 22nd 2013

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In this week's edition of Sitrep.........

TODAY'S PRESENTER IS JAMES HIRST

Keeping secrets secret...should we all be concerned about the 9 hour questioning of David Miranda at Heathrow Airport?

As relations between America and Russia turn chilly again...are we in danger of another Cold War?

An Egyptian court orders the release of former President Hosni Mubarak...will that make a real difference to Egypt, or is it just symbolic?

Climate change is as big a threat to world peace as terrorism.

And...we recommend some good military books to get you through what's left of the summer.

PRESENTER: JAMES HIRST

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee and Professor Paul Rogers who lectures on international security at the University of Bradford.

OTHER INTERVIEWS: Rear Admiral Neil Morisetti, William Hague's climate envoy.

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Sitrep August 15th 2013

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TODAY'S PRESENTER IS JAMES HIRST

 

What next for a divided Egypt?

 

The complicated  logistics of withdrawing men and equipment from Afghanistan

 

Following 20th Armoured Brigade on ex Prairie Thunder

 

Hero, Veteran or simply ex-Forces -  how do you describe yourself?

 

PRESENTER: James Hirst

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee  & Major General Julian Thompson

 

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

 

Nadim Shehadi,  from Chatham House Middle East and North Africa Programme,

 

BFBS reporter Geoff Meade in Camp Bastion on logistics of withdrawal. 

 

BFBS reporter  Ali Gibson on EX PRAIRIE THUNDER

 

Hugh Milroy, Chief Executive of Veterans Aid.

 

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

 

Alternatively listen again on the website

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Sitrep August 8th 2013

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How dangerous was the threat of a major terrorist plot in Yemen?
 
Could Iran’s new leadership lead to a thawing of relations with the West?
 
Why Gibraltar’s residents are asking for a stronger Royal Navy presence on the Rock….
 
And, find out why August is the month for conflict.
 
PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee  & Middle East analyst Hazhir Teimourian
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS: 
Mike Evans, security specialist writer for The Times,
 
BFBS reporter James Hirst  speaks to the first minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, is there and sent this report
 
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)
 
Alternatively listen again on the website
 

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Sitrep August 1st 2013

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The latest attitudes survey is out but why do a third of military personnel say morale is low?

 

Are our soldiers being discriminated against?

 

What’s behind the latest prison breakouts in Pakistan and Iraq?

 

And why changes to military music could mean fewer marches and more Muse.

 

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee 

 

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

Louise Simpson, Evidence Director from the Army Families Federation

 

Professor Michael Clarke, Director of the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies,

 

Professor Sir Simon Wessely of  the King's Centre for Military Research

 

BFBS Reporter Geoff Meade Camp Bastion

 

Nigel Ellis is the Chairman of The International Military Music Society

 

 

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

 

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Sitrep July 25th 2013

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Is Iraq heading towards another civil war?

  

60 years on from the end of the Korean War, what did the conflict actually achieve?

 

Should politicians have the final say on deploying our Armed Forces overseas?

 

And… what’s in a name? Could a Janet or a John lead an Army into battle?

 

PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau

 

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee 

 

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

The Daily Telegraph’s Defence Editor and author Con Coughlin discussing Iraq.

 

BFBS Reporter Tim Cooper reporting gon the 60th anniversary of the end of the Korean war.

 

John Sweeney from BBC Panorama programme discussing modern day Korea – north and south.

 

Baroness Jay,Chair of the House of Lords Constitution Committee, on whether Parliament should have more involvement in deploying British troops

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

 

Alternatively listen again on the website

 

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Sitrep July 18th 2013

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The outgoing CDS General Sir David Richards issues a final warning over Syria

 

Are the alternatives put forward for replacing Trident viable?

 

The morality of arms sales is questioned in a new report

 

And find out why the Kremlin might be turning its back on modern technology in a bid to prevent cyber attacks……….

 

 

PRESENTER: Tim Cooper

 

STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee & former Royal Marine commander Major General Julian Thompson

 

 

OTHER INTERVIEWS:  

 

Professor Eric Grove, the Director of the Centre for International Security and War Studies at Salford University, discussing Trident.

 

 

Arms Sales, BFBS Reporter Rosie Laydon

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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)

 

Alternatively listen again on the website.

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Sitrep July 11th 2013

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What impact are events in Egypt and Syria having on the Middle East?
 
A study says the Taliban’s planning to re-take Helmand. – but how are they going to do it?
 
And how many troops will the US leave in Afghanistan  post 2014
 
Plus: will Trident be homeless?
 
And the new Chief of the Defence Staff – find out what happens in his first few days.
 



PRESENTER: Kate Gerbeau
STUDIO GUEST: BFBS’s Defence Analyst Christopher Lee
 
 
OTHER INTERVIEWS: 
 
Professor Michael Clarke, director of the RUSI, the Royal United Services Institute
 
Professor Theo Farrell is Head of the Department of War Studies at King's College London
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You can listen on BFBS Radio 2 at 1630 (UK time) and at 1830 (UK time) on BFBS (via webb, App & DAB in the UK and on FM in Scotland, Colchester, Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick & Blandford Forum)
 
Alternatively listen again on the website

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