BFBS Radio Sitrep

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

Jonathan Eyal, International Director at the Royal United Services Institute, explains why a report into Russian interference with British politics hasn’t been published.   Sitrep talks to the former Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon as he steps down from political life.   It’s 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Sitrep hears from former British Army spy Dave Butler who worked on the BRIXMIS mission which spied on Soviet military activities in East Germany.   Plus – BFBS presenter Jamie Gordon gives his account of broadcasting from Berlin during one of the most iconic moments of the 20th Century Twitter @bfbssitrep

For years he’s been the world’s most wanted terrorist. Now Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is dead. In this week’s Sitrep, we examine the implications of the death of the IS leader, and what’s likely to happen next with Fawaz Gerges, professor of international relations at the London School of Economics and Professor Michael Clarke, former director-general of the Royal United Services Institute. After months of political deadlock, Britain is set for a pre-Christmas election. The Times' political Correspondent, Lucy Fisher, looks at whether defence issues will get a mention in a campaign likely to be dominated by Brexit. Professor Michael Clarke has written a new book how Brexit is creating a new world of security challenges And a former Army officer explains how he helped track down one of the suspects in the Sergei Skripal poisoning, and explains how much vital intelligence is just out there, waiting to be discovered.   Find us @bfbssitrep

People all over the world are taking to the streets in protest against their governments for different reasons.  Professor Paul Rogers from the University of Bradford explains why this is happening now and what it could mean for the future. President Trump is pulling America out of the Paris climate change agreement. Paul Osbourne explains what the Australian newspaper black-out has to do with defence. Why the Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has concerns about the Royal Navy fleet. And military thinking outside the box with The Wavell Room. Join the debate on Twitter @bfbssitrep

President Donald Trump says the crisis which has followed the withdrawal of US troops from Syria is not America's fight.  As Russian forces appear to fill the void left we talk to Mary Dejevsky about why this is a good and bad situation for President Putin.  Simon Marks gives us the low down on the Republican vote, supported by some Democrats, condemning Trump's decision on Syria and the increasingly incendiary rhetoric. We talk to Pakistan's High Commissioner in London about the Royal visit to his country. As David Richmond is announced as head of the newly created Office for Veterans' Affairs, Johnny Mercer explains its remit, funding and long term ambitions. Follow us @bfbssitrep  

Turkish forces are stepping up air strikes and a ground offensive, as their incursion in Kurdish-held areas of northern Syria continues. It follows the withdrawal of US troops, who fought alongside Kurdish forces in north-east Syria against so-called Islamic State.  Former soldier and Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely joins us along with former US intelligence officer Michael Pregent. The American press are suggesting President Trump is about to bin yet another east west treaty. It's called the Open Skies treaty and it says Russians and Americans should be able to fly over and look over each other's territory and so lesson the chances of building undeclared weapons. Jonathan Eyal joins us. Pressure mounts on the Prime Minister to announce a Bill protecting veterans of Northern Ireland in the Queen’s Speech. Lord Dannatt, ex Army chief, and Michael Fallon, former defence sec, are among those who have written to The Times.  We speak to the paper's defence correspondent Lucy Fisher. Join the conversation on Twitter @bfbssitrep

An RAF pilot has been selected to join Virgin Orbit's small satellite launch programme on secondment Brexit is four weeks away, so what preparations are being made for any potential civil disobedience and will the military be involved?  Hiding in plain sight Exercise Iron Viper challenges the art of camouflage in an urban environment. As the violence in Hong Kong gets worse we speak to Professor Steve Tsang from SOAS at the University of London on what happens next.  The US has a new top military officer, General Mark Milley takes over as the Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  And why is Sweden’s Navy HQ returning to a vast underground fortress designed to withstand a nuclear attack   Follow us on Twitter @bfbssitrep