Archiv: Whitehall (UK government / war ministry)


25.11.2024 - 16:44 [ Politico.eu ]

UK army chief: We’re ready to fight Putin in Eastern Europe

„If the British Army was asked to fight tonight, it would fight tonight,“ Rob Magowan, the deputy chief of the British defense staff, told the House of Commons defense committee. „I don‘t think anybody in this room should be under any illusion that if the Russians invaded Eastern Europe tonight, then we would meet them in that fight.“

The striking comments came as MPs asked Magowan Thursday how many British brigades could get to NATO‘s eastern flank in the event of a major escalation by Russia.

16.11.2024 - 12:12 [ Middle East Eye ]

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese calls David Lammy a ‚genocide denier‘

)November 14, 2024)

The United Nations special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories has accused British Foreign Secretary David Lammy of being a „genocide denier“ and said the UK has done „nothing“ to prevent atrocities in Gaza.

In an interview with Middle East Eye in London on Wednesday, Francesca Albanese took aim at Lammy in response to comments he made in late October denying that Israel is committing genocide.

„I hadn‘t realised that Mr Lammy was a lawyer,“ she said, referring to Lammy‘s legal background.

„As a politician, you might say that for political convenience,“ she suggested, adding that would still make someone „a genocide denier“.

15.11.2024 - 14:05 [ Palestine Chronicle ]

‘Unacceptable’ – British PM, Foreign Secretary Claim Israel Not Committing Genocide

Lammy recently alleged that the term genocide referred to “when millions of people lost their lives in crises like Rwanda, the Second World War in the Holocaust” and that using it to describe Gaza “now undermines (its) seriousness”.

(…)

“Will the Prime Minister share (Lammy’s) definition of genocide with this House?” the lawmaker asked Starmer.

The prime minister answered by saying that “it would be wise to start a question like that by reference to what happened in October of last year”.

“I’m well aware of the definition of genocide, and that is why I’ve never described this as and referred to it as genocide,” he added.

15.11.2024 - 13:32 [ Middle East Eye ]

UK urged to share Gaza spy planes footage with ICC war crimes probe

(October 30, 2024)

The defence ministry told Middle East Eye: “As a matter of principle, we only provide intelligence to our allies where we are satisfied that it will be used in accordance with International Humanitarian Law, and in this instance, only information relating to hostage rescue is passed to the Israeli authorities.”
(…)
Brendan O’Hara, the Scottish National Party’s spokesperson for the Middle East, told MEE it was “inconceivable”, given the scale of the destruction and death in Gaza, that the flights “do not contain footage which would be of significant interest to the investigators from the International Criminal Court”.
(…)
Labour MP Rachael Maskell told MEE: “It is crucial that any intelligence of breaches of international law are shared with the courts so they can assess the evidence and secure justice.”

“I trust that the UK government is working with the international courts to aid them in their work.”

15.11.2024 - 13:10 [ DeclassifiedUK.org/ ]

Revealed: UK military has flown 200 spy missions over Gaza in support of Israel

(May 8, 2024)

British spy planes have recorded up to 1,000 hours of footage over Gaza, including from the day Israel assassinated three UK aid workers.

23.10.2024 - 07:51 [ BBC ]

What leaked US assessment of Israeli plans to strike Iran shows

The documents also report no sign of any preparations by Israel to activate its nuclear deterrent. (…)

The US has made no secret of its opposition to the targeting of either Iran’s nuclear research facilities or its oil installations.

23.10.2024 - 07:42 [ Middle East Eye ]

US intended to inform UK about Israeli stealth drone use over Iran

However, another piece of intelligence is marked as being for the eyes of US and British intelligence only: that Israel has been using a long-range unmanned surveillance drone which is capable of flying covertly over Iran and elsewhere in the Middle East.

The drone, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), is a “covert” drone named RA-01. It was not publicly known about.

10.04.2024 - 09:12 [ David Hearst / Middle East Eye ]

For the defenders of Israel‘s war on Gaza, the game is up

Staunch allies calling themselves friends of Israel are beginning to realise they are also friends of the murderers of western aid workers, friends of genocide and friends of fascism

04.03.2024 - 23:21 [ Nachdenkseiten ]

Mehr als ein „Abhörskandal“

Mitte letzter Woche gab es noch Ärger zwischen Deutschland, Frankreich und Großbritannien, da Bundeskanzler Scholz angeblich „geheime Informationen verraten“ hatte. Es ging um den Einsatz von Marschflugkörpern, den Scholz ablehnt. Der Kanzler will Deutschland nicht zu einer direkten Kriegspartei machen. „Was an Zielsteuerung und an Begleitung der Zielsteuerung vonseiten der Briten und Franzosen gemacht wird, kann in Deutschland nicht gemacht werden“, so Scholz wörtlich. Franzosen und Briten widersprachen Scholz, das britische Verteidigungsministerium warf ihm gar vor, Falschinformationen zu verbreiten. Wenn die Inhalte des abgehörten Gesprächs der vier deutschen Luftwaffenoffiziere korrekt sind, lügen jedoch die Briten.

07.02.2024 - 21:40 [ Craig Murray / Twitter ]

The British Government attempts to hide the Assange extradition appeal – a „public hearing“ – behind a baroque set of Kafkaesque rules. My latest article on the latest government stitch-up.

https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2024/02/state-secrecy-and-public-hearings-part-one/

20.01.2024 - 05:22 [ Dearbhla Minogue, Lawyer @GLAN_LAW / Twitter ]

Palestinian human rights organisation @alhaq_org has forced the gov’t to answer a legal challenge and tell the Court why it has kept granting weapons licences to Israel. The response shows why it was necessary. We @GLAN_LAW are proud to represent them – the pressure is building.

20.01.2024 - 05:11 [ Zarah Sultana MP, Proud to be the Labour MP for Coventry South / Twitter ]

NEW: The government hid from Parliament the Foreign Office‘s „serious concerns“ about Israel‘s compliance with International Humanitarian Law in Gaza, according to newly-released court papers. This should be national news – and it should end arms sales to Israel.

The papers show that at the start of the war the Foreign Office set up an internal International Humanitarian Law assessment process.

On 10 November it judged: “the volume of strikes, total death toll, as well as proportion of those who are children raise serious concerns”. 2/12

It also said: „the government’s current inability to come to a clear assessment on Israel’s record of compliance with International Humanitarian Law poses significant policy risks”.

But look at what Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell said to me just 4 days later… 3/12

In Parliament on 14 November, I asked Mitchell if British-made weapons had been used in violation of international law in Gaza.

He replied reassuring me of Israel‘s commitment to international law, even though just 4 days earlier his department registered serious concerns. 4/12

Mitchell said: „The member will know that the President of Israel has made it clear that his country will abide by International Humanitarian Law“.

These court papers reveal that his own department, the UK Foreign Office, doubted the Israeli President‘s words.

20.01.2024 - 04:51 [ Middle East Eye ]

War on Gaza: UK‘s Cameron okayed arms sales to Israel despite Foreign Office legal concerns

The Export Control Joint Unit – a cross-departmental body that oversees UK‘s export controls and licensing for military and dual-use items – told Cameron on 8 December that he had three options when it came to advising whether export licenses for sales to Israel should be approved.

He could either not suspend them, but keep them under careful review; suspend where it was assessed items might be used to carry out Israeli military options in the conflict in Gaza; or suspend all licenses.

Cameron decided on 12 December that he was satisfied Israel was committed to complying with international humanitarian law, according to the filing.

04.01.2024 - 12:17 [ White House ]

A Joint Statement from the Governments of the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom

Let our message now be clear: we call for the immediate end of these illegal attacks and release of unlawfully detained vessels and crews. The Houthis will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways. We remain committed to the international rules-based order and are determined to hold malign actors accountable for unlawful seizures and attacks.

02.01.2024 - 18:48 [ ArabNews.com ]

Lebanese PM urges UK for ‘maximum pressure’ on Israel

(28.12.2023)

Lebanon’s Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has urged the UK to place “maximum pressure” on Israel to end its campaign on Gaza and the Lebanese border.

In a meeting with UK Foreign Minister David Cameron on Thursday, Mikati warned that the “Israeli provocations in southern Lebanon could lead to deteriorating conditions and a full-scale war in the region as a whole.”

16.12.2023 - 16:45 [ Gerrit Kurtz, Researcher @swpberlin / Twitter ]

The #RedSea may see a naval operation after more and more ships are attacked by Iran-backed Houthi forces, including one belonging to a German company. German government already looking into US request for a potential mission.

16.12.2023 - 16:07 [ Tagesschau.de ]

Einsatz der deutschen Marine gefordert

Am Freitag war der Containerfrachter „Al Jasrah“ in der Meerenge zwischen dem Jemen und Dschibuti beschossen und beschädigt worden. Die Besatzungsmitglieder blieben laut Hapag Lloyd unverletzt. Die Bundesregierung verurteilte den Angriff und prüft eine Bitte aus den USA um eine Beteiligung der deutschen Marine an einem Einsatz

11.12.2023 - 15:38 [ Dr. Abusalama / Twitter ]

This week parliament will debate a #CeasefireNOW and for the UK to #StopArmingIsrael. This couldn‘t be more urgent. Israel‘s bombing of Gaza has already killed over 16,000 Palestinians. Please join me and lobby your MP using @PSCupdates online action

https://palestinecampaign.eaction.online/ceasefireMPdebate

11.12.2023 - 15:17 [ Apsana Begum MP, Labour MP for Poplar & Limehouse / Twitter ]

How many innocent Palestinian civilians have been killed by UK arms?

11.12.2023 - 15:06 [ UCU Left / Twitter ]

Great picture of #UCU banners with trade unionists for #Palestine on Saturday’s #CEASEFIRE_NOW march in London. #Gaza

(10.12.2023)

11.12.2023 - 14:52 [ Stop the War / Twitter ]

Another absolutely huge demonstration in London for #Palestine. Stretching all the way from Bank to Whitehall! Sunak, Starmer and co listen up: we will continue to march until there‘s a ceasefire and justice for the Palestinians.

(November 9, 2023)

15.11.2023 - 05:58 [ Matt Kennard / Twitter ]

An A400M military transport aircraft—operated by RAF—has just touched down in Tel Aviv. It can carry 116 soldiers, a Chinook helicopter and a payload of 37 tonnes. UK military is refusing to divulge what the dozens of aircraft it has sent to Tel Aviv are carrying onboard.

26.09.2023 - 09:15 [ ORF.at ]

„Five Eyes“ hinter den Entschlüsselungsplänen des EU-Ministerrats

(29.11.2020)

Gemeint ist ein erster Schritt zu einer EU-weiten Regulation, die Plattformbetreiber de facto verpflichten wird, Ende-zu-Ende-Verschlüsselung mit einem Generalschlüssel auszuhebeln. Dass diese vom britischen Geheimdienst GCHQ vorgeschlagene Methode favorisiert wird, bestätigte de Kerchove ganz nebenbei in einem am Freitag von der Nachrichtenagentur AFP verbreiteten Interview. Ein frisch geleaktes Dokument des Rats dokumentiert die tiefe Involvierung der Spionageallianz „Five Eyes“ in die Entschlüsselungspläne.

(…)

Was de Kerchove, der auch die Gaming-Websites als überwachungspflichtig ins Spiel gebracht hatte, geflissentlich verschwieg, ist, wozu dies in jedem EU-Staat unweigerlich führen wird, dessen Gesetze den Geheimdiensten ein Mandat zum Anzapfen der Glasfaserleitungen zum Zwecke der „Gefahrenverhütung“ bzw. der „Nachrichtenaufklärung“ verleihen.

31.08.2023 - 12:41 [ Sky News ]

Cabinet reshuffle latest: Grant Shapps appointment ‚ruffles feathers‘ – as successor for his old job confirmed

Rishi Sunak is reshuffling his top team, with Grant Shapps succeeding Ben Wallace as defence secretary and Claire Coutinho entering cabinet as energy secretary.

31.08.2023 - 12:30 [ Telegraph.co.uk ]

Politics latest news: Grant Shapps announced as next Defence Secretary

Mr Wallace, who revealed his intention to quit back in July, said in his resignation letter: “After much reflection, I have taken the decision to ask that I be allowed to step down. I won my seat in 2005 and after so many years it is time for me to invest in the parts of life that I have neglected, and to explore new opportunities.”

13.08.2023 - 14:22 [ Independent.co.uk ]

UK cruise missiles will ‘enhance’ Ukraine war effort, says Volodymyr Zelensky

(12 May 2023)

Manufacturer MBDA says the Storm Shadow has a range of more than 150 miles, giving Kyiv the ability to strike behind the Russian front line.

Britain is understood to have received assurances that the missiles will only be used defensively against targets in Ukrainian territory being occupied by Vladimir Putin’s forces.

The Government has not provided detail on the number of missiles to be provided to Kyiv.

13.08.2023 - 14:18 [ ny1.com ]

U.K. sending Ukraine long-range cruise missiles

(May 11, 2023)

Wallace told lawmakers in the House of Commons that Britain is donating Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of more than 155 miles. He didn‘t say how many are being sent. (…)

The missiles give Ukraine capacity to strike well behind the front lines, including in Russia-occupied Crimea. U.K. media reported that Ukraine has pledged not to use the missiles to attack Russia itself. (…)

He said U.K. officials would not comment publicly on whether Britain had placed any limitations on the missiles‘ use.

19.06.2023 - 10:12 [ Independent.co.uk ]

New Partygate video ‘shows Tories dancing, drinking and laughing at lockdown rules’

At least 24 guests were reportedly at the gathering which was held just a few days before Mr Johnson’s 19 December announcement that Tier 4 Covid curbs would be implemented. This put London and the southeast of England under severe restrictions which meant many could not see their families on Christmas Day.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I must tell you we cannot continue with Christmas as planned,” he said just five days after the party.

19.06.2023 - 10:06 [ Mirror.co.uk ]

Exclusive: First ever Partygate video revealed as Tories drink, dance and laugh at Covid rules

When one man sees he is being recorded, he says: “Oh Christ.” Then another asks: “Are you filming this?” Someone else responds: “It’s for party, erm, party use.”

A man then laughs after declaring: “As long as we are not streaming that we’re, like, bending the rules.”

It was just days after the party that Mr Johnson announced even tighter restrictions which meant people in the areas worst hit by Covid could not see their loved ones over Christmas.

31.05.2023 - 22:29 [ ORF.at ]

Johnson übergibt WhatsApp-Daten an Regierung

Das von der ehemaligen Richterin Lady Heather Hallett geleitete unabhängige Untersuchungskomitee soll die umstrittene Handhabung der Pandemie unter Johnson aufarbeiten. Der aktuelle Premier Sunak war damals Finanzminister. Spekuliert wird daher, dass er und weitere Kabinettsmitglieder fürchten, in der WhatsApp-Korrespondenz Johnsons könne auch für sie kompromittierendes Material sein.

31.05.2023 - 22:20 [ Telegraph.co.uk ]

Boris Johnson hands his unredacted WhatsApps to Cabinet Office

Baroness Hallett, the chair of the inquiry, has threatened the Government with legal action if it refuses to comply with her order for full copies of Mr Johnson’s communications and diaries, and the messages of a key aide, with a deadline of 4pm on Thursday to fulfil her demand.

But last night, Whitehall sources indicated that Mr Sunak would stand firm and refuse to submit unredacted material, from him or any minister, to the inquiry.

28.05.2023 - 13:55 [ Telegraph.co.uk ]

Bush ‚is planning nuclear strikes on Iran‘s secret sites‘

(09 April 2006)

Although Iran claims that its nuclear programme is peaceful, US and European intelligence agencies are certain that Teheran is trying to develop atomic weapons. In contrast to the run-up to the Iraq invasion, there are no disagreements within Western intelligence about Iran‘s plans.

This newspaper disclosed recently that senior Pentagon strategists are updating plans to strike Iran‘s nuclear sites with long-distance B2 bombers and submarine-launched missiles. And last week, the Sunday Telegraph reported a secret meeting at the Ministry of Defence where military chiefs and officials from Downing Street and the Foreign Office discussed the consequences of an American-led attack on Iran, and Britain‘s role in any such action.

28.05.2023 - 13:39 [ Washington Post ]

U.S. Is Studying Military Strike Options on Iran

(April 9, 2006)

In January, the president termed a nuclear-armed Iran „a grave threat to the security of the world,“ words that echoed language he used before the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Vice President Cheney vowed „meaningful consequences“ if Iran does not give up any nuclear aspirations, and U.N. Ambassador John R. Bolton refined the formula to „tangible and painful consequences.“ (…)

Israel is preparing, as well. The government recently leaked a contingency plan for attacking on its own if the United States does not, a plan involving airstrikes, commando teams, possibly missiles and even explosives-carrying dogs. Israel, which bombed Iraq‘s Osirak nuclear plant in 1981 to prevent it from being used to develop weapons, has built a replica of Natanz, according to Israeli media, but U.S. strategists do not believe Israel has the capacity to accomplish the mission without nuclear weapons. (…)

Pentagon planners are studying how to penetrate eight-foot-deep targets and are contemplating tactical nuclear devices.

11.05.2023 - 21:45 [ CNN ]

Britain has delivered long-range ‘Storm Shadow’ cruise missiles to Ukraine ahead of expected counteroffensive, sources say

The United Kingdom has delivered multiple “Storm Shadow” cruise missiles to Ukraine, giving the nation a new long-range strike capability in advance of a highly anticipated counteroffensive against Russian forces, multiple senior Western officials told CNN.

UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace, calling the donation Ukraine’s “best chance to defend themselves against Russia’s continued brutality,” confirmed the transaction on Thursday after CNN exclusively reported the deal.

11.05.2023 - 21:43 [ Reuters ]

Britain moves first to supply Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles

Highlighting what he called the deliberate targeting of civilians, Britain‘s Defence Minister Ben Wallace told parliament: „Russia must recognise that its actions alone have led to such systems being provided.“

28.02.2023 - 20:37 [ BBC ]

Signal would ‚walk‘ from UK if Online Safety Bill undermined encryption

(24.02.2023)

Critics say companies could be required by Ofcom to scan messages on encrypted apps for child sexual abuse material or terrorism content under the new law.

This has worried firms whose business is enabling private, secure communication.

Element, a UK company whose customers include the Ministry of Defence, told the BBC the plan would cost it clients.

23.01.2023 - 19:13 [ @TalkTV / Nitter ]

Peter Hitchens warns that sending UK tanks to Ukraine could turn Europe into a radioactive graveyard: „The direction we‘re taking could lead us into a much more serious and wide-spread war than the one we now face.“

19.12.2022 - 03:31 [ theGuardian.com ]

Army should not be used as ‘ultimate backstop’ in strikes, defence chief says

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the head of Britain’s armed forces, said it would be “slightly perilous” to expect them to be used routinely in the event of strikes by public sector workers.

In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, Radakin said the use of armed forces to provide cover for striking workers would not impede operations, but suggested personnel should be allowed to get on with their day-to-day jobs.