BFBS Sitrep

The 2020 Defence Review – is it big enough to shape Britain’s future defence policy?  Defence analysts Francis Tusa and Christopher Lee discuss the possible options. The former First Sea Lord, Admiral Lord West explains why is there concern over the repair programme for the Type 45s. Did the government do a deal with Sinn Fein that could lead to more veterans being prosecuted?  Former defence minister Mark Francois voices his concern. And remembering Peter Hobday, the first presenter of Sitrep. Follow us @bfbssitrep

Higar Chemali, the former spokesperson for the US mission to the United Nations and Professor Scott Lucas from Birmingham University tell us why the UK has changed its policy on the  Iran nuclear deal, and look at America’s reaction one week after the air strikes against US forces in Iraq. Former Kremlin advisor Alexander Nekrassov looks at President Putin’s big plan for the future leadership of Russia Who’s fighting who in Libya? Mary Fitzgerald is a writer and frequent visitor to the beleaguered country and explains all the different factions in the current crisis. According to a recent survey carried out by the International Committee of the Red Cross, millennials across the globe are worried about war, but why? Follow us @bfbssitrep

This week Sitrep takes an in-depth look at the Iran-US crisis, Was it a bad decision by the United States?  Should the UK's foreign policy should be aligned so closely with America's? How have Europe & Russia reacted to the rising tensions? And where does this leave British and American troops based in Iraq and what are the longer-term consequences for the Middle East? That’s all in this week’s Sitrep with James Hirst and Christopher Lee   Follow us @bfbssitrep

BRIXMIS was a unit of the British Army set up at the end of the Second World War as part of a liaison mission between the wartime allies: Britain, France, America, and The Soviet Union. BRIXMIS stands for the 'British Commander-in-Chief’s Mission to the Soviet Forces in Germany'. However, BRIXMIS rapidly became, in common with United States (USMLM) and French Allied Military Liaison Missions (FMLM), something quite different. In this special edition of Sitrep, BFBS reporter Rosie Laydon tells Kate Gerbeau how she took former BRIXMIS operative Dave Butler back to Germany, where he spied on Soviet troops at the height of the cold war.  As well as Dave, Rosie spoke to other former spies from Britain, the US and the former Soviet Union, who all have dramatic tales of espionage in plain sight. Want more? To read Dave's story in his own words and see photos from the time:  forces.net To see the Forces TV documentary:  youtube.com/playlist You can hear more stories about the British Forces every week by  subscribing to Sitrep.  New Episodes are released on Thursdays. Follow us: twitter.com/bfbsSitrep

So what’s the state of British Defence as 2019 draws to a close?  That’s the question being asked on Sitrep this week as Britain’s newly elected government goes to work. In an extended programme, Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee will be joined by a panel of experts to assess current and future security threats to the UK and NATO. They’ll also be looking ahead to Brexit, the US Presidential election and the security issues surrounding climate change. Follow us @bfbssitrep

Did major allies fail to tell the truth about the state of the war in Afghanistan?  The former ambassador to Afghanistan, Sir William Patey, gives us his unique perspective. Russia and Ukraine talk peace, but is President Putin listening? Jonathan Eyal ,International Director at the Royal United Services Institute, discusses the ceasefire. BFBS Reporter Rebecca Ricks has a special report from Portsmouth looking at how the Royal Navy fishery protection.  And cricket returns to Pakistan, but why is it so important?  Cricket commentator, Guy Swindles explains. Follow us @bfbssitrep

The Royal British Legion has  launched its own manifesto asking what’s in the general election for service people and veterans? Happy Birthday NATO, but not everyone’s celebrating. And why is NATO still obsessed with the threat from Russia but forgetting all about Libya? Follow us @bfbssitrep

As Nato celebrates its 70th birthday, Sitrep looks ahead to next week’s summit hosted in the UK with Elizabeth Braw from the Royal United Services Institute, Professor Scott Lucas from the University of Birmingham, and former director general of RUSI, Professor Michael Clarke. A new report says that Russia could ‘outgun’ the UK on the battlefield, Professor Michael Clarke looks at the evidence. The Tories and SNP launched their election manifestos this week, but with two weeks to go, who will get your vote for defence?  BFBS Defence Analyst Christopher Lee looks at the details. And a fascinating new book  "Tipping Point, Britain, Brexit and security in the 2020s" by Michael Clarke and Helen Ramscar looks at Britain and its security strengths and weaknesses in the 2020s. Follow us @bfbssitrep

The Duke of York steps down from public duties, but what does it mean for his military roles?  BFBS reporter Claire Sadler and royal historian Christopher Lee look back on his military career and achievements. Chris Curtis, the Political Research Manager at YouGov, tells us how defence and security rate as an issue for voters ahead of the General Election. And we find out what Labour,  the Lib Dems and the Green Party are they saying about defence as they launch their manifestos. In a rare interview, the head of MI6 speaks about his life in the Service and how the world of espionage is changing.  He spoke to Sky’s Defence Correspondent, Alistair Bunkall. Follow us @bfbssitrep

Why does French President Emmanuel Macron think NATO is suffering brain death and that Europe should be more powerful?  Find out what the two main party leaders are saying about the main defence and security issues on the campaign trail.  We talk to The Times' defence correspondent Lucy Fisher. And, remembering Lord Bramall -  looking back at a long & distinguished military career from D-Day to Hong Kong and the Falklands War.   Follow us @bfbssitrep