Defence chiefs were more concerned about getting the cheapest deal for new Navy supply ships than boosting British industry, a secret document confirms. Thousands of jobs depend on the £1.5billion contract for three Fleet Solid Support ships going to a UK yard, according to unions, MPs and campaigners. But the Ministry of Defence triggered fury by launching a worldwide competition to build the vessels. The tendering process has since been shelved because none of the bidders could meet the budget. A 17-page business case forced out of the MoD by the GMB union, using freedom of information rules, has uncovered the MoD’s priorities when it came to offering firms the chance to bid for the bumper deal. “The contract will be awarded to the compliant bidder with the lowest Whole Life Cost,” it stresses. It points to the existence of a special unit dedicated to seeking cheap shipbuilding deals with companies based abroad. “The Commercially Supported Shipping (CSS) … [Read more...] about Tories DID chase cheaper deal for Navy supply ships rather than protect UK jobs
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Tottenham player ratings: Defence take the credit for smash-and-grab as Vertonghen winner hides Kane and Son’s quiet day
TOTTENHAM relied on their defence to produce a huge smash-and-grab win at Wolves on Sunday. Jan Vertonghen popped up to head the stoppage time winner having spent 90 minutes being terrorised by Adama Troare. It was the rapid winger who netted his side's goal at Molineux, driving in from range to level up Lucas Moura's excellent individual effort earlier on. As Jose Mourinho's side head up to fifth in the Premier League table, Marc Mayo rates the Spurs pack who claimed the 2-1 win. PAULO GAZZANIGA - 7 The goalkeeper was rarely tested for large parts given Wolves' propensity for shooting right at him. But, having had no chance with the goal, he produced excellent strong parries to deny Raul Jimenez and Roman Saiss in the second-half. SERGE AURIER - 6 Far from the erratic display Spurs fans still fear with the right-back, his zone was largely ignored defensively as Wolves hammered Vertonghen's left flank.DAVINSON SANCHEZ - 7 Faced up to a very dangerous home attack well, making blocks and … [Read more...] about Tottenham player ratings: Defence take the credit for smash-and-grab as Vertonghen winner hides Kane and Son’s quiet day
Syria conflict: £62m UK boost to Lebanon to stop terrorists reaching Europe
A new defensive line of 76 watchtowers and patrol bases has been completed along Lebanon's border with Syria, which the UK's ambassador to the country says is vital to prevent terrorists from reaching Europe.The improved border security was funded by the British government and will also help stabilise Lebanon from the conflict next door.Britain's support to Lebanon's army in the fight against Islamic State (IS) extremism has enabled the state to not only defeat the terrorists but also secure the northern and eastern border with Syria for the first time in its history.The UK has spent more than £62m in support, infrastructure and training for the Lebanese armed forces.Speaking to Sky News, Britain's ambassador to Lebanon Chris Rampling said the money was not only crucial for stabilising Lebanon but would also help keep Europe safe from another Paris or Brussels attack. Advertisement He said: "When you look at the map and realise just how close a country like Lebanon is … [Read more...] about Syria conflict: £62m UK boost to Lebanon to stop terrorists reaching Europe
Michael Gove GUARANTEES the Brexit transition period will NOT be extended as he insists the UK and EU will strike a free trade deal by the end of next year
Michael Gove today guaranteed the Brexit transition period will not be extended as he insisted the UK and the EU will be able to agree a free trade deal by the end of next year. The UK is due to leave the EU by January 31 and there is then due to be a stand still transition period until the end of 2020 when the two sides will hammer out the terms of a future trading relationship. Critics believe it is impossible for a complex trade deal to be agreed in such a short space of time and Boris Johnson's Brexit deal does contain an extension provision. That would allow the trade talks deadline to be pushed back by 'up to one or two years'. However, Mr Gove said the 2020 deadline will be stuck to and that the two sides will go their separate ways at the end of next year with an agreement in place. Michael Gove, pictured during an appearance on Sky News this morning, said the Brexit transition period will not be extended He told Sophy Ridge on Sky … [Read more...] about Michael Gove GUARANTEES the Brexit transition period will NOT be extended as he insists the UK and EU will strike a free trade deal by the end of next year
Threats to MPs are at ‘unprecedented’ levels as crimes against politicians and staff more than double in space of year in wake of Jo Cox murder, reveals Met Police chief
The number of crimes reported to police by MPs receiving threats and abuse has nearly doubled in the first part of this year, police have said. Head of UK counter-terrorism policing Neil Basu told the UK Parliament Human Rights Committee that 152 crimes were reported by MPs between January and April this year. This was a rise of 90% compared to the same months last year. In the whole of 2018, there were 342 offences reported to police in England and Wales by MPs, and the previous year 151. MP Anna Soubry is abused outside Parliament. MPs spoke about the incident today as it emerged the number of threats and other crimes reported by politicians has doubled Mr Basu told the committee that MPs had been asked to report all incidents of abuse and threats so that police can map hotspots, with more than 600 logged so far this year. Currently the most occur in London and the south east, as well as the north west. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next New Order, new order! First images of … [Read more...] about Threats to MPs are at ‘unprecedented’ levels as crimes against politicians and staff more than double in space of year in wake of Jo Cox murder, reveals Met Police chief