SAS start resigning

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This day was always going to come. And now it’s finally here. SAS troops are quitting in significant numbers over mounting legal cases.

With no end in sight and the Hereford name dragged through the dirt - week-in, week-out - by and politicians who have never even considered putting themselves in harm’s way, it’s hardly a surprise that soldiers are beginning to walk.

The putrid attitude towards defence now reaches the very top of government. See below.

The involvement of Keir Starmer’s top lawyer, Lord Hermer, in the Al-Sweady case is becoming increasingly clear.

For those who don’t remember: the Al-Sweady Inquiry was a £31 million public investigation into allegations that British soldiers unlawfully killed and tortured Iraqis following the 2004 Battle of Danny Boy. A number of ambulance-chasing law firms - Leigh Day and Public Interest Lawyers - represented Iraqi claimants against the MOD.

The problem? The case was built on lies and ultimately collapsed, with the allegations found to be “wholly without foundation.”

The MOD initially sought to settle, offering around £14,500 per claimant. Despite the weakness of the case, Hermer pushed for higher payouts, reportedly recommending figures closer to £55,000 per claimant.

In the end, the claimants withdrew, bringing the case to a close.

Hermer is now the government’s lead lawyer and part of Starmer’s inner circle.

Something to cheer you up: a new survey released this week has highlighted what we already know - the next generation DGAF about the country.

Polling from the John Smith Centre of 2,000 people under 30 found that 50% said they wouldn’t fight for the country under any circumstances.

Reform voters were the most willing to take up arms, while just 28% of Green Party voters said they would do so under “some circumstances.”

No worries - someone else will pick up the slack.

Absolute jokers.

Big events from the past, covered in brief and probably inaccurately.

In April 1916, Irish republicans launched (what would become known as) the Easter Rising in Dublin against British rule.

Militarily, it failed. Politically, it changed everything. Britain’s heavy-handed response turned public opinion and accelerated the path to Irish independence.

Changing things up? This is where we briefly look at career options from across the civvy world - everything goes here so expect some absolute drivel. Sometimes Forces Assist can help place you, sometimes we can’t. Either way we can offer advice.

A load of HGV Technician jobs are still open across Plymouth, Leicester, Hampshire, Cardiff and Suffolk. Great pay, solid hours - if you know anyone with the relevant quals can you do us a solid and send them our way via our contact us form. If they namedrop your subscriber email and pass probation I will personally give you £500. Gen.

Bored of asking - they’ll love Despatches and we’ll love them.

Cheers,

Team Forces Assist

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