HMS Brocklesby and HMS Shoreham spent two days working with Qatar’s navy.
According to the Royal Navy in a release:
“Beyond keeping the crucial sea lanes of the Gulf region open and free of any underwater explosive devices, Britain’s four minehunters stationed in Bahrain – HMS Blyth and Ledbury complete the quartet – have a wider duty to foster close relations with other navies in the Middle East to ensure the ongoing safety, security and prosperity of this crucial part of the world and generally fly the flag for UK plc.”
Commanding Officer of Brocklesby, Lieutenant Commander Chris Hollingworth, added:
“We’ve had an exceptional visit to Qatar, being able to work with our regional partners has been a real highlight and I look forward to working together in the near future.”
The Qataris operate a Fleet of around half a dozen missile-armed fast attack craft plus more than 60 patrol boats focused on guarding its 350 miles of coastline, territorial waters and the many oil platforms offshore.
Oil cough cough…
Of course it is all about oil, we need it and will continue to need it for a few decades yet.
So the oil companies say!
Anti Gravity says hi, but that would affect the Oil barons profits!
And Mr Electric might have a word….
Wow, are you working for big oil johnf?!
Why are we protecting Gulf Arab petro despots from the wrath of their own long suffering citizenry? Bahrain is ruled by a minority sect oppressing the majority. Our base legitimises their misrule.
How come economically powerful countries like Germany and Japan don’t need bases in the Gulf and patrolling the worlds seas? They actually have a thriving manufacturing sector they invest in rather than pointless defence expenditures to pretend that we are still relevant.
Ever lived in Bahrain or in the wider Middle East? The “oppressed minorities” of Bahrain that I know dont feel particularly oppressed. Bahrain was the first gulf states to diversify away from Oil way before the UAE did the same thing. It has a large and thriving industrial base and oil though important is not the be all and end all. There have been a Japanese Destroyer was in Bahrain within the last year along with Pakistan, French, Canadian, Korean, Indian, Italian, Australian, Singapore and Turkish vessels. These vessels conduct freedom of navigation and maritime security work. The drugs bust… Read more »
I worked from a base in Bahrain in the 70s and 80s…..it had a large and very discontented working class that felt marginalised and ignored. The Al Khalifa’s were seen as a repressive and authoritarian regime that had little sympathy with the masses. There has subsequently been significant unrest. Iqbal’s use of the term ‘oppression’ is apposite in this case!
Although it’s not a utopian society by any stretch its a lot lot better than in 2011. The rulers have learnt and made moves to sort out the issues that exist. Irrespective of whether you agree with the ruling family or not, if you throw petrol bombs at the plod. In any country in the world you are going to get nicked. The bomb blast a few years ago that killed a woman and injured her kids was a turning point as the perpetrators when caught and found to be Iranian backed and supplied. Since then the trouble and rable… Read more »
Gunbuster, you know Iqbal the troll, he will spout piffle no matter the subject, but at least he can be consistant as he knows absolutely nothing about every single subject he whines and pontificates about. Cheers.
Hwy iqbal, yet again you have no subject matter knowledge on the issue being commented about. Isnt it time you got your Jim’l fix it badge out out and whistfully remembered your younger days sat on his knee.
“pointless defence expenditures to pretend that we are still relevant.” This is the key passage here that undermines all you ever say and shows your true motives. Another lefty of the worst kind with a serious chip on their shoulder about the UK being somebody in the geopolitical game played out in the world. Others also left leaning understand the need for strong defence, including some on this forum. Being pro defence is not a left or right phenomenon like you make out. Would you prefer the UK to have the relevance of Bangladesh? The UK should have a military… Read more »
He sounds like someone who Dislikes White, British folk. Another Minority, Hating on the Majority.
( Head down, Eyes down, looking for the down Votes , lower Right Hand side.)
Not from me cap, not from me.
There they are look. (as predicted)
R.I.P. Free Speech, Hello Snowflakes.
‘the need for strong defence’ I agree that we need strong defence. It’s just that we disagree on what that entails. Strong defence means controlling our borders better, having an immigration system the public have confidence in, not alienating certain British communities eg. Muslims by needlessly bombing civilians in illegal never ending wars of choice, not alienating the Chinese whom we need for Post Brexit trade through attempted gunboat diplomacy. Mostly importantly, we need to remain in the EU or at least close to it through a customs union to ensure we can still project real power on the world… Read more »
I don’t agree with much of what you say generally, and actually find some of it quite offensive to my world view of what Britain is and should be.
However, some of this post I can agree with Iqbal. A much better balanced argument there. I read that with interest.
In greater detail. “having an immigration system the public have confidence in,” Excellent. Totally agree. So not like dear Labour’s David Lammy who recently called for an amnesty for the estimated 300,000 plus illegal immigrants in London alone. One, key word there is illegal. End of. Two, it just sends the wrong message and encourages more. The irony that he supports illegals yet opposes the ERG of Tory MP’s and indeed likens them to Nazis offends me and countless others. Agree with Brexit or not the ERG are supporting a legitimate and LEGAL vote, Lammy is supporting ILLEGALS and wishes… Read more »
Daniele, there are times I just think you can write the most Balanced and Logical reply to another poster’s Post and someone will take It all the wrong way without actually digesting your thoughtful ingredients.
Sitting back, Looking on this past week, Wondering what sort of person feels the need to downvote your comment.
This place has been overtaken by Anonymous, Argumentative, Troll like types and the Downvote facility just backs it all up (As predicted George ).
Luckily though, the vast Majority who continue to post here seem to continue to do so despite the Minority.
Agree Captain. If there is an issue with my piece to cause a down vote, then discuss! I will debate my points all day!
The likes of Germany and Japan don’t need bases abroad or to patrol the seas because the likes of us, and the US do if for them.
The Royal Navy has a nice minehunter fleet. What are the plans for the replacement of the Hunts and Sandowns?
None as of yet. I believe the eventual number will probably be half, If previous Procurement has any bearing.
Or replaced completely by autonomous systems deployed from other assets.
Free’s up crew, and loses the RN yet more hulls?
But, they will be able to be in so many more places at any one time (sic)
Of course not! But that will not stop them, as we know.
These MCM boys and girls work hard, ever decreasing numbers but no let up on commitments, bloody well done.
I love the MCM.