BFBS Radio 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 Sitre

In Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee why has the UK changed its policy on the Iran nuclear deal? What’s Putin’s big plan for the future leadership of Russia? Who’s fighting who in Libya? And why are millennials worried about war?

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

A Sitrep Special Edition telling the stories of the British soldiers who spied on Soviet Forces in East Germany at the height of the Cold War.

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.

Did major allies fail to tell the truth about the state of the war in Afghanistan? Russia and Ukraine talk peace, but is President Putin listening? The modern Royal Navy, taking its Plaice (and its cod) in fishery protection. And cricket returns to Pakistan, but why is it so important?

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? Find out in this week’s Sitrep with Kate Gerbeau and Christopher Lee.

As Nato celebrates its 70th birthday, Sitrep looks ahead to next week’s summit hosted in the UK with Elizabeth Braw from RUSI Professor Scott Lucas from the University of Birmingham, and former director general of RUSI, Professor Michael Clarke. The Tories and SNP launched their election manifestos this week. And a 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.

The Duke of York steps down from public duties, but what does it mean for his military roles? Chris Curtis, the Political Research Manager at YouGov, tells us how defence and security rate as an issue for voters ahead of the 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. He spoke to Sky’s Defence Correspondent, Alistair Bunkall.

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. And, remembering Lord Bramall -  looking back at a long & distinguished military career from D-Day to Hong Kong and the Falklands War.

Jonathan Eyal 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 the Soviet military Jamie Gordon gives his account of broadcasting from Berlin during one of the most iconic moments of the 20th Century

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is dead. In this week’s Sitrep, we examine the implications of the death of the IS leader, with Fawaz Gerges and Professor Michael Clarke, former director-general of the Royal United Services Institute. Britain is set for a pre-Christmas election. The Times' political Correspondent, Lucy Fisher, looks at whether defence issues and a former Army officer explains how he helped track down one of the suspects in the Sergei Skripal poisoning

People protests around the world, climate change, Royal Navy fleet issues, Australian press freedom and The Wavell Room.

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 condemning Trump's decision on Syria. 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.

Turkey bombs Syria. Could Trump be about to pull the plug on another treaty? Pressure mounts on PM to announce Bill protecting veterans of Northern Ireland in Queen’s Speech.