Decline in combat-ready personnel over last five years
Combat-ready UK Armed Forces personnel dropped from 74,966 in 2020 to 70,280 in 2024, reflecting a steady decline across all branches.
Reports suggest UK-led buffer zone in Ukraine
The suggested plan would potentially place thousands of British troops at the forefront of enforcing peace in eastern Ukraine.
MOD assures blast furnace closure ‘limited’ defence impact
The Ministry of Defence has stated that it does not anticipate any adverse impact on the UK's defence industry or virgin steel supply resulting from potential closures of blast furnaces at Port Talbot and Scunthorpe.
UK to produce artillery gun barrels using British steel
The UK is set to reintroduce domestic manufacturing of artillery gun barrels for the first time in a decade, with Sheffield Forgemasters providing British steel for production.
Germany to reintroduce national service
Germany is advancing plans to reintroduce national service as part of a broader initiative to enhance both national and NATO defence capabilities to deter Russia.
Some British uniforms and protective gear sourced from China
UK Government departments have procured uniforms, protective gear, and other essential items from Chinese suppliers.
MoD outlines effort to inform veterans on Camp Lejeune water
The Ministry of Defence has outlined its recent efforts to inform veterans potentially affected by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, a U.S. Marine Corps base.
INTERPOL operation rescues 3,200 Human trafficking victims
Operation Liberterra II led by @INTERPOL_HQ and supported by @NCA_UK in the UK, has rescued 3,200 trafficking victims, identified 17,800 irregular migrants, and resulted in over 2,500 arrests globally, including nine in the UK.
UK reaffirms plan to ‘double lethality’ of British Army
Key questions remain around the feasibility and specific steps required to achieve such a target.
Lords highlight Scotland’s role in UK defence
Lord Stirrup raised the strategic value of Scotland within the UK, pointing to the presence of major military bases, including an RAF base on the Moray Firth and the Royal Navy’s Faslane facility.
