January 2019 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News

Defence Minister opens first military airbase to be powered by green energy UK MOD 31 Jan 2019 -- RAF Marham, the home of the UK's F-35 multi role combat jets, is set to become the first military airbase to be powered by green electricity.
New mechanism to facilitate trade with Iran: joint statement UK FCO 31 Jan 2019 -- French, German and UK Foreign Ministers announce INSTEX, a new mechanism for facilitating legitimate trade with Iran to preserve the Iran nuclear deal.
Foreign Secretary call with Juan Guaido: 30 January 2019 UK FCO 31 Jan 2019 -- Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt spoke to Juan Guaido President of the National Assembly of Venezuela.
War Games, Redeployment, Return of EU-Based Troops: UK MoD on High No-Deal Alert Sputnik 31 Jan 2019 -- UK Ministry of Defence is scraping for 3000 soldiers to assemble the required number of personnel in preparation for a no-deal Brexit, with contingency plans including use of military to assist at ports and airports.
EU Opposes UK's Brexit Deal Revision Despite Theresa May's Readiness for Talks Sputnik 31 Jan 2019 -- The reached draft agreement on the conditions for the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union remains the only possible deal on this issue and will not be revised, even despite Tuesday's vote in the UK parliament, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Wednesday.
Banks, Businesses React With Mounting Alarm Over Brexit VOA 31 Jan 2019 -- British banking giant Barclays has drawn up plans to shift more than $200 billion worth of assets from London to Dublin amid mounting business alarm that Britain is more likely now to leave the European Union without an exit deal.
Joint statement on the creation of INSTEX, the special purpose vehicle aimed at facilitating legitimate trade with Iran in the framework of the efforts to preserve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) Germany Federal Foreign Office 31 Jan 2019 -- Joint statement by the E3 Foreign Ministers Jean-Yves Le Drian (France), Heiko Maas (Germany), Jeremy Hunt (United Kingdom)
Registration of INSTEX indicates EU's commitment to JCPOA: UK FM IRNA 31 Jan 2019 -- UK Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt described commissioning of the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX) as a practical symbol of EU commitment to Iran nuclear deal.
Five Nuclear Powers Meeting In Beijing As U.S. Calls For Transparency RFE/RL 30 Jan 2019 -- The United States has called for more transparency from Russia and China regarding their nuclear programs, as diplomats from five major nuclear powers meet in Beijing.
EU rejects UK's new push for changing Brexit deal Press TV 30 Jan 2019 -- The European Union leaders have roundly rejected a fresh push by Britain to change the country's withdrawal agreement.
UK parliament OKs Brexit amendment on replacing Irish backstop Press TV 30 Jan 2019 -- British lawmakers have voted on seven amendments to Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal with the European Union, calling for alternatives to the contentious Irish backstop plan and pushing to avoid a no-deal exit.
EU Rejects British Bid to Change Brexit Deal VOA 30 Jan 2019 -- The European Union on Wednesday rebuffed Britain's efforts to renegotiate the terms of its exit from the EU.
PM statement to the House of Commons: 29 January 2019 UK FCO 29 Jan 2019 -- Prime Minister Theresa May made a statement to the House of Commons.
'New IRA' Group Claims Responsibility for Londonderry Car Bombing – Statement Sputnik 29 Jan 2019 -- A group calling itself the 'New IRA' has claimed responsibility for detonating a car bomb in Londonerry on 19 January and issued a statement to the Derry Journal, stoking fears of fresh conflicts which could threaten the 1998 Good Friday agreement.
Gov't Will Seek to End Free Movement in No-Deal Brexit Scenario - UK Home Office Sputnik 29 Jan 2019 -- On Monday, UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid set out provisions for EU citizens coming to Britain if the nation leaves the EU without a deal in place.
UK Working Behind the Scenes to Unite EU Against Venezuela's Maduro – Report Sputnik 28 Jan 2019 -- Earlier, US media reported that US President Donald Trump discussed the possibility of using military force against Venezuela with a senior Republican senator, two weeks before Western-backed opposition leader Juan Guaido proclaimed himself the country's interim president.
US, UK Celebrate Expanded Capabilities at NOPF Dam Neck NNS 28 Jan 2019 -- Naval Ocean Processing Facility (NOPF) Dam Neck celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art Integrated Undersea Surveillance System (IUSS) operations floor expansion Jan. 24.
UK PM to give parliament a second chance to approve her Brexit deal Press TV 28 Jan 2019 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May intends to give the UK parliament a second chance to approve a Brexit deal with the European Union as soon as possible.
Brexit committee says no-deal cannot be government policy Press TV 28 Jan 2019 -- The government of Prime Minister Theresa May cannot have a "managed no deal" as its policy for Brexit and that the parliament needs to be able to extend the negotiating period with the European Union, says a committee of British lawmakers.
Wargaming for Brexit as May's Government Faces More Setbacks VOA 28 Jan 2019 -- British officials are war-gaming various strategies for coping with the disruption of Britain leaving the European Union without an exit deal, including declaring a state of emergency and martial law to avert disorder provoked by possible food shortages and energy outages.
The Rock Braces for a Hard Brexit VOA 28 Jan 2019 -- Few stand to be as affected by a no-deal Brexit than the 34,000 Gibraltar residents and the Spanish communities around the British overseas colony known as the Rock who are bracing for dramatic consequences if Britain leaves the EU with no deal to govern the breakup due to happen on March 29.
Irish PM warns troops could be deployed to border with UK over Brexit Press TV 26 Jan 2019 -- Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has warned that military troops could return to the border with the UK if London fails to finalize a deal on its withdrawal from the European Union.
MI5 Reportedly Deploys 700 Spies to N Ireland Amid Fears of Hard Border Violence Sputnik 26 Jan 2019 -- Late last week, New Irish Republican Army (IRA) hardliners detonated a car bomb outside a courthouse in Londonderry. According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, no one was hurt in the bombing, which came amid ongoing Brexit talks.
French gov't to present hard Brexit plan People's Daily 24 Jan 2019 -- The French government intends to present, in early February, details of a package of emergency measures meant to protect the interests of citizens and companies in case of a hard Brexit, said European Affairs Minister Nathalie Loiseau on Wednesday.
Foreign Secretary statement on situation in Venezuela, January 2019 UK FCO 24 Jan 2019 -- Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt gave a statement to media on the situation in Venezuela during a visit to Washington.
UK Foreign Secretary Backs Guaido as 'Right Person to Take Venezuela Forward' Sputnik 24 Jan 2019 -- UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said Thursday that Nicolas Maduro was not a legitimate leader of Venezuela and the country should be led by speaker of the opposition parliament Juan Guaido.
USS Mobile Bay Participates In Intrepid Sentinel NNS 23 Jan 2019 -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), as part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3, joined with maritime forces from France, United Kingdom, and Australia to complete exercise Intrepid Sentinel in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 17.
Maritime Warfare Exercise Conducted by France, United Kingdom, Australia, US in C5F NNS 22 Jan 2019 -- Maritime forces from France, the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States participated in the maritime warfare exercise Intrepid Sentinel in the Arabian Gulf, Jan. 15-17.
Foreign Secretary announces new UK funding to support UN peace process in Yemen UK FCO 22 Jan 2019 -- Today the UK Government has announced £2.5 million in additional funding to the UN peace process in Yemen.
UK Labour Party leader pushes for parliament vote on second Brexit referendum Press TV 22 Jan 2019 -- Britain's opposition Labour Party has proposed an amendment to a parliamentary motion on the country's withdrawal from the European Union which could pave the way for a second Brexit referendum.
UK says to pull fighter jets from Syria after Trump's withdrawal decision Press TV 22 Jan 2019 -- The British Royal Air Force (RAF) is set to call back more than half of its fighter jets from Syria after US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw American forces from the Arab country.
UK Royal Air Force to Reduce Presence in Syria, Iraq – Report Sputnik 22 Jan 2019 -- The move was reportedly triggered by US President Donald Trump's announcement about the withdrawal of American troops stationed in Syria that will be carried out in the coming months.
Britain's Brexit-Battered Party Leaders 'Hope Something Turns Up' VOA 22 Jan 2019 -- They're united in nothing when it comes to political philosophy, but the leaders of Britain's two main political parties share a similar Brexit-related conundrum – namely, how can they corral their fractious lawmakers?
UK PM refuses MPs demand to rule out no-deal Brexit Press TV 21 Jan 2019 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May has refused a request from members of parliament to rule out a possibility that the country could leave the European Union at the end of March in a disorderly manner and without an agreement that could set out terms of a Brexit and future relations.
May to set out plan B proposals in parliament Press TV 21 Jan 2019 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May will try to break the Brexit deadlock by laying out her plan B which includes gaining concessions from the European Union (EU).
PM statement to the House of Commons on Brexit: 21 January 2019 Gov.UK 21 Jan 2019 -- Mr Speaker, I am sure the whole House will join me in condemning Saturday's car bomb attack in Londonderry – and paying tribute to the bravery of the Northern Ireland Police and the local community who helped to ensure that everyone got to safety.
UK, EU impose sanctions against Russia's GRU military intelligence agency Press TV 21 Jan 2019 -- The British government and the European Union have imposed sanctions against senior officials from Russia's GRU military intelligence agency, over the agency's suspected poisoning attack on a former Russian spy in southern England last year.
EU Foreign Ministers OK Sanctions On GRU Chiefs, Novichok Suspects RFE/RL 21 Jan 2019 -- European Union foreign ministers have approved targeted sanctions against two senior Russian military intelligence officials and two men Britain suspects in the nerve-agent poisoning of Sergei Skripal.
EU imposes sanctions against Salisbury suspects UK FCO 21 Jan 2019 -- EU foreign ministers agree to impose sanctions on the leadership of the GRU, and Salisbury suspects.
EU Sanctions Russians, Syrians Over Use of Chemical Weapons VOA 21 Jan 2019 -- The European Union has imposed sanctions on Russian military intelligence chiefs over the nerve agent attack on a former Russian double agent in Britain last year.
It's Inevitable That Article 50 Will Be Extended - UK Brexit Spokesman Starmer Sputnik 20 Jan 2019 -- Earlier this week, Chancellor Hammond said during a meeting with business leaders that the government could extend Article 50 following cross-party talks on UK prime minister Theresa May's rejected Brexit deal.
UK nabs 2 over Northern Irish car bombing; separatist group suspected Press TV 20 Jan 2019 -- UK police have arrested two people as part of an investigation into a car bombing in the British-run province of Northern Ireland, as authorities suspect a major separatist group carried out the attack.
Police in Northern Ireland Arrest 2 Suspects After Bomb Explosion Sputnik 20 Jan 2019 -- Two men were arrested in connection with what police said was an "unbelievably reckless" attack in Derry city in Northern Ireland, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said in a statement on Sunday.
Brexit negotiator says EU to change agreement if UK's red lines change: report People's Daily 18 Jan 2019 -- European Union (EU) Chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, said here on Thursday that the EU will immediately change the exit agreement if the UK's red lines change, Portuguese Lusa News Agency reported.
UK government calls up army reservists to help prepare for no-deal Brexit Press TV 17 Jan 2019 -- The British government has called up the army reservists to deal with a potential disorderly exit from the European Union.
£293 million deal for Apache fleet UK MOD 17 Jan 2019 -- The MOD has awarded a five-year, multi-million-pound deal to Leonardo Helicopters (UK) for the support of the existing fleet of 50 Apache attack helicopters.
For UK's May, Quitting Not an Option VOA 17 Jan 2019 -- Yet again an embattled Theresa May has survived to fight another day as Britain's Prime Minister, seeing off on Wednesday a motion of no confidence in her government tabled by the country's main opposition Labor party.
IDF Air Force Invited to Take Part in Joint 'Cobra' Drills With British RAF Sputnik 17 Jan 2019 -- Cobra Warrior is the UK Royal Air Force's largest training exercise, in which different countries take part after being invited by the UK. In 2018, the RAF invited Germany and Italy to become a part of the training.
US, UK Navies Conduct First Joint Military Drills in Contested South China Sea Sputnik 16 Jan 2019 -- The sweeping naval exercises were conducted for the first time since China built strategic outposts in the sea, which is seen as a crucially important waterway for international trade.
UK's Theresa May Survives Second No-Confidence Vote Sputnik 16 Jan 2019 -- For the second time in as many months, UK Prime Minister Theresa May has survived an attempt to remove her from power. Parliament has voted 325 to 306 that it has confidence in May's government, in power since June 2016.
Britain's May Survives No-Confidence Vote VOA 16 Jan 2019 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May survived a no-confidence vote Wednesday in Parliament, one day after lawmakers voted overwhelmingly against her plan to divorce Britain from the European Union.
EU Alarmed, Frustrated After Brexit Vote VOA 16 Jan 2019 -- European Union leaders are greeting the British parliament's defeat of a hard-reached Brexit plan with a mix of frustration and alarm, even as Europe begins preparing for chances Britain will leave the bloc in just over two months without a withdrawal agreement.
EU Ambassadors Approve Sanctions Against Novichok Suspects RFE/RL 16 Jan 2019 -- European Union ambassadors agreed on January 16 to impose sanctions on four Russian military intelligence officers who the EU says are responsible for carrying out chemical attacks, including the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal in Britain in 2018.
PM statement to the House of Commons: 15 January 2019 UK FCO 15 Jan 2019 -- Prime Minister Theresa May's statement to the House of Commons following the Meaningful Vote.
Britain Heads for Constitutional Fight Between Parliament, Government VOA 14 Jan 2019 -- Britain appears set for a full-blown constitutional crisis, with a cross-party group of senior lawmakers conspiring to sideline embattled Prime Minister Theresa May by seizing control of Brexit negotiations.
Labour set to call vote to topple Theresa May's government Press TV 13 Jan 2019 -- Labour MPs have been told to be ready for a vote of no-confidence in the government of Prime Minister Theresa May in case she suffers a defeat over her Brexit deal, a report says.
UK PM May: Failure to Back Her Brexit Plan Would Be 'Catastrophic' Sputnik 13 Jan 2019 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May has warned lawmakers that if they fail to back her plan for leaving the EU, the consequences will be catastrophic.
UK ministers: Brexit may be delayed, even cancelled Press TV 11 Jan 2019 -- British ministers reveal that Brexit may be delayed or even cancelled as lawmakers are set to vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's exit deal on Tuesday.
Russia Condemns British Plans To Build Military Bases RFE/RL 11 Jan 2019 -- Moscow has condemned Britain's plans to build new military bases in Southeast Asia and the Caribbean, saying Russia is prepared to take retaliatory measures if its own interests or those of its allies are threatened.
Wither Brexit? Hunt Says UK Could Remain in EU if MPs Vote Against May's Deal Sputnik 11 Jan 2019 -- As the Brexit impasse continues to anger the British public, one of Theresa May's most senior cabinet officials has landed a bombshell claim that is likely to further the confusion already felt by many.
Russia Vows Response as UK Defence Chief Issues 'Warning to Putin' Sputnik 11 Jan 2019 -- Earlier, UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson boasted that Britain's new fleet of F-35s served as a message to the country's "enemies", including Russia, not to "mess with" Britain.
Ecuador Believes Assange Should Surrender to UK Authorities – Foreign Minister Sputnik 11 Jan 2019 -- Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Jose Valencia suggested that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who has found shelter at Ecuador's embassy in London, should surrender to the UK authorities.
Update: air strikes against Daesh UK MOD 10 Jan 2019 -- The RAF are continuing to take the fight to Daesh in Syria.
UK defense chief says F-35 jets are 'ready for operations' Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- British Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson has officially announced that the costly US-made F-35 stealth fighter jets are "combat ready" and will soon be deployed on operations.
In crushing blow to May's Brexit plan, Parliament allows alternative scenarios Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- The British parliament has approved a crucial amendment to Prime Minister Theresa May's deal to take the country out of the European Union (EU), allowing MPs to come up with their own alternative plans.
Britain 'Combat Ready' With New Supersonic Jet Amid "Resurgent Russian Threat" Sputnik 10 Jan 2019 -- UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson is visiting the home to the F-35B Lightning and Tornado jets since the 1970s in Norfolk, England to announce the readiness of F-35s to launch combat missions.
Five British soldiers killed in Daesh rocket attack in Dayr al-Zawr: Report Press TV 10 Jan 2019 -- Syrian media say at least five British soldiers have been killed in a rocket attack by Takfiri Daesh terrorists in Syria's troubled eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr.
Defence Secretary sets sights on next century of British air power UK MOD 10 Jan 2019 -- Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson sets sights on next century of British air power as major fighter jet milestones are reached
Scottish yard awarded HMS Queen Elizabeth contract UK MOD 09 Jan 2019 -- Babcock's Rosyth dockyard has been awarded a contract to carry out the first planned dry-dock maintenance of Britain's largest warship, HMS Queen Elizabeth.
UK Labour urges early elections if Brexit deal is rejected Press TV 09 Jan 2019 -- The leader of UK's opposition Labour Party has called on Prime Minister Theresa May to call general elections if she fails to go through the parliament next week with her controversial European Union withdrawal agreement.
May suffers defeat over no-deal Brexit tax powers Press TV 09 Jan 2019 -- The government of British Prime Minister Theresa May has suffered another crushing defeat in parliament after lawmakers voted to block possible preparations for a no-deal Brexit.
British Base in Southeast Asia Would Antagonize China VOA 09 Jan 2019 -- A British amphibious warfare ship passed through the South China Sea in August and China, Asia's strongest military power with a claim to almost the whole waterway, expelled it. Now the European country with a once powerful colonial foothold in Asia wants to set up a new base in the region, according to news reports citing the British defense secretary.
Britain Will no Longer be Bound by EU Sanctions After Brexit VOA 09 Jan 2019 -- With the March deadline approaching for Britain to depart the European Union, there are concerns that Britain's exit could undermine Western sanctions against countries like Iran, Syria and North Korea. Analysts note that Britain has been influential in persuading the EU to take action, saying there are risks Britain will seek a different path as it carves out new economic and strategic partnerships.
Overseas bases might be just wishful thinking for UK People's Daily 08 Jan 2019 -- The UK is working on plans to build two new military bases in the Caribbean and Southeast Asia, said Britain's Secretary of State for Defense Gavin Williamson in an interview. Gavin Williamson claimed that "where we have economic interests, where we should have military presence".
President did not use "welcome" for British base: Presidential Office CNA 08 Jan 2019 -- The Presidential Office issued a statement on Monday to clarify a report by a foreign media that stated President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) "welcomed" a British military base in the South China Sea.
UK Ballistic Missile Submarines Ready to Retire But Not to Be Replaced Sputnik 07 Jan 2019 -- Images of one of Britain's nuclear deterrent submarines - HMS Vengeance - returning from her latest three-month patrol to a naval base in Scotland after having suffered considerable damage have appeared online.
Britain Tests Emergency Plans as No-Deal Brexit Edges Closer VOA 07 Jan 2019 -- The chances of Britain crashing out of the European Union by default with no deal in place are growing, as lawmakers appear unlikely to support the deal Prime Minister Theresa May struck with the bloc. A parliamentary vote on the agreement is scheduled next week.
May's Brexit Pleas Falling on Deaf Ears in London, Brussels VOA 07 Jan 2019 -- Britain's embattled Theresa May will make a push this week to persuade rebel lawmakers in her ruling Conservative party to back her contentious Brexit withdrawal agreement.
UK PM warns Brexit can be cancelled if parliament rejects her deal Press TV 06 Jan 2019 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May has warned that growing criticism of her European Union withdrawal agreement and opponents' attempt to discard it in a parliamentary vote this month would finally lead to the cancellation of a 2016 popular decision to leave the bloc.
Ex-US Marine detained in Russia holds UK passport: Moscow Press TV 04 Jan 2019 -- Russia's Foreign Ministry says a former American Marine recently detained in Moscow on spying charges is also a British citizen.
Britain Warns Russia Against 'Chess Games' Over Alleged Spy RFE/RL 04 Jan 2019 -- Britain has warned Russia against playing "diplomatic chess games" following the arrest on spying charges by Moscow of Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine who also holds British and Irish citizenship.
US, UK National Whelan Detained in Russia Also Has Irish Citizenship - Officials Sputnik 04 Jan 2019 -- Earlier in the day, UK officials told The Times newspaper that Paul Whelan, who was detained in Moscow last Friday on suspicion of espionage, holds British citizenship.
UK Foreign Secretary Hunt Admits Assad to Be in Power 'For a While' Sputnik 03 Jan 2019 -- The admission is a step back from the usual 'Assad must go' rhetoric which the UK, the US and its allies have repeatedly used in relation to the Syrian president in the course of the war which has rocked the country since 2011.
UK Foreign Secretary Hunt Admits Assad to Be in Power 'For a While' Sputnik 03 Jan 2019 -- The admission is a step back from the usual 'Assad must go' rhetoric which the UK, the US and its allies have repeatedly used in relation to the Syrian president in the course of the war which has rocked the country since 2011.
Syrian President Assad will remain in power 'for a while': British foreign secretary Press TV 03 Jan 2019 -- British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt says Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will remain in office due to Russia's support, amid a decision by the US to withdraw troops and a race among Arab states to normalize ties with the Syrian government.
Foreign Secretary Hunt: Britain's role in a post-Brexit world UK FCO 02 Jan 2019 -- Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt spoke at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore and announced the Partnership for the Future.
Cancelling Brexit will have 'devastating' social consequences, Hunt says Press TV 02 Jan 2019 -- British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has warned that if the government cancels results of a June 2016 referendum in which Britons decided for their country to leave the European Union, it would have harsh impacts on the United Kingdom's social fabric.
UK Struggling With Post-Brexit Identity Crisis VOA 02 Jan 2019 -- British ministers are seeking to rebrand Britain for the country's exit from the European Union, but they're divided – as their critics are – about how the country should see itself and be seen by others post-Brexit. The divisions are revealing a country deep in the throes of an identity crisis.
UK offered arms sales to Saudi after Khashoggi murder: Report Press TV 01 Jan 2019 -- The UK kept weapons sales talks with Saudi Arabia running after the kingdom admitted to dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder, a new report has revealed.

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January 2019 - United Kingdom Special Weapons News