On 21 January 2025, Lord Elliott of Ballinamallard, a life peer representing the Ulster Unionist Party, raised a question in the House of Lords concerning the BBC Northern Ireland’s description of the Special Air Service (SAS).
In an article published on 11 January, the broadcaster referred to the SAS as “one of the British Army’s most infamous regiments.”
Lord Elliott asked the Ministry of Defence whether the government had made representations to the BBC regarding this characterisation.
Responding to the query, Defence Minister Lord Coaker stated: “While I am unable to comment on UK Special Forces specifically, I can say that our military is respected worldwide for the highest standards of conduct and excellence on operations.”
The BBC’s choice of words has sparked debate, with some interpreting the term “infamous” as pejorative in the context of a regiment widely regarded for its professionalism and operational success.
However, Lord Coaker’s response did not directly address the broadcaster’s phrasing, instead focusing on the broader reputation of the Armed Forces.
The Special Air Service (SAS) is a special forces unit of the British Army, founded in 1941 by David Stirling during the Second World War and later reconstituted as a corps in 1950. Specialising in roles such as counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, direct action, and special reconnaissance, much of its work is highly classified, with neither the British government nor the Ministry of Defence commenting on its operations due to their sensitivity.
The SAS gained international recognition for its dramatic 1980 televised rescue during the Iranian Embassy siege, which cemented its reputation as an elite force.
The SAS consists of the 22 Special Air Service Regiment, the regular component, and two reserve units, the 21 Special Air Service Regiment (Artists) and the 23 Special Air Service Regiment. Together, they operate under the command of United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF), alongside their Royal Navy counterpart, the Special Boat Service, which focuses on maritime counter-terrorism.
Both units fall under the operational control of the Director Special Forces, ensuring a unified approach to national and international special operations.
Paddy Mayne was a founding member of the SAS and a War hero from Northern Ireland so thanks to Lord Elliot for pointing out the BBC’s propensity for demeaning British icons!
Typical BBC….