BFBS Radio Sitrep

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.

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?

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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

Who’s behind the attempt to murder the former Russian spy and is there can Britain do anything to bring them to justice?

The defence committee hears more evidence on historic allegations but is it all too long ago?

How the pen may be mightier than the sword for President Trump.

Plus mental health – your chance to tell the government what you really think.

And find out how you can experience WW11 - in person.

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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.

In this week’s Sitrep with Tim Cooper and Christopher Lee………..

The UK’s new fighter jets, the F35B,  moves one step closer to front-line operations as it successfully completes tests using British made missiles….

Find out why President Macron wants Europe to cosy up to Russia to bolster its security…..

Why RAF Akrotiri’s port in Cyprus may be extended if there’s a no-deal Brexit…

And, how you can help with a new exhibition about the British Forces in Germany ...

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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.