During a visit to WFEL in Stockport, a military design and manufacturing company that has worked with the Government for nearly four decades, the minister saw how the department’s funding was supporting employment in every corner of the nation.

WFEL, which employs 230 staff, has supplied tactical military bridge systems to more than 40 armed forces across the globe, including the UK, USA and Australia.

Defence Minister Guto Bebb said:

WFEL provides world-class bridge systems that enable UK Armed Forces to be rapidly deployed across the globe and project military power in any eventuality.

Defence suppliers are at the heart of British industry and the MOD will ensure that our home-grown companies continue to develop, thrive and export their innovative products to our international partners.

One of WFEL’s most enduring products is the Medium Girder Bridge, which was originally developed in partnership with the MOD.

The highly adaptable, deployable and transportable tactical bridges ensure military equipment and personnel can get to where they are needed, whether that is during conflict or a humanitarian crisis.

During the lifetime of the bridge project, the MOD has invested millions into equipment and support services with the firm, boosting the local economy and employment.

There are a range of current opportunities for further MOD investment in the company, with WFEL bidding to update and replace some of the UK’s current military bridging systems.

The Elite Bargains and Political Deals research indicates that greater focus on the politics of conflicts, and those who control power and resources on the ground, is crucial to reducing violence.

The Minister for the Middle East and for International Development Alistair Burt said:

“This research report sets out to answer two of the most difficult questions in foreign policy today: How can we help reduce levels of violent conflict? And how do we deal with the often unsavoury groups and individuals that sustain them?

Today, thousands are suffering in seemingly intractable conflicts across the world. We must do what we can to reduce their plight and minimise the dangers that conflict and instability pose to our own national security.

We need to keep reviewing our approach in light of experience, and that is what this report seeks to do.”

The report is the result of 18 months of research by cross-government and independent academics and was launched on 14 June at Chatham House.

The study seeks to provide a more robust evidence base for the UK’s approach to stabilisation and to help policymakers provide more effective interventions in conflict contexts. Lessons from global conflicts, past and present, are identified in the report.

Further information

The Stabilisation Unit is an agile, cross-government unit that provides advice and expertise to prevent and de-escalate conflict and meet national security challenges in high-risk environments.

Follow Minister Burt on Twitter @AlistairBurtUK

Media enquiries

For journalists, email r-burley@dfid.gov.uk

One unknown soldier of the Machine Gun Corps (MGC) and 3 unknown soldiers of unknown regiments have finally been laid to rest after they were killed during World War 1. The 4 soldiers were buried earlier today (Wednesday 13 June) at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Loos British Cemetery, France.

The service, organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), part of Defence Business Services, was conducted by the Reverend Stephen Pratt CF, Chaplain to the Royal Tank Regiment (RTR). The RTR provided both the bearer and firing party for the ceremony.

Nicola Nash, JCCC said:

It’s a great honour to be here today to lay these brave men to rest, who fought so courageously alongside their comrades. Although we have not been able to identify them, they were still buried with the dignity and respect that they deserved.

The remains were found in December 2016 during construction work in the Vendin-le-Vieil area of northern France. Two MGC shoulder titles and a cap badge were found along with the soldiers, plus numerous items of British Army kit.

Reverend Stephen Pratt CF said:

It was a great privilege to lead the service for 4 unknown soldiers who sacrifices themselves, that we might have freedom.

The heavy branch of the MGC was the first to use tanks in combat during the Battle of the Somme and was subsequently amalgamated into the Tank Corps, later known as the RTR. The RTR is the oldest tank unit in the world and the regiment has been deployed on all major conflicts since the end of World War 2. The RTR recently celebrated their Centenary and are fiercely proud of their history.

Warrant Officer (WO1) Harley Upham, Royal Tank Regiment said:

I am deeply honoured and moved to have been here today. The Machine Gun Corps and Tank Corps is in our DNA. We who are the current custodians of the Regiment and of what came before us, will never forget the sacrifice and immense debt which we all owe to them and especially to all the Officers and Soldiers of the Machine Gun Corps and Royal Tank Regiments who have made this Regiment what it is today.

Mel Donnelly, CWGC said:

Two new headstones, one engraved with ‘Unknown Soldier of Machine Gun Corps’ and one engraved with 3 ‘Unknown Soldiers of the Great War’ have been provided by the CWGC, who will now care for their final resting place in perpetuity.

The agreement, which provides a framework for defence cooperation in areas such as training, information sharing and capability development, was the second such treaty to be signed with a European Union nation after France.

Defence Minister Guto Bebb said:

Meeting with Minister Sebastian Chwalek today has not only strengthened our ties with Poland, but provided both Governments a great opportunity to speak about future defence relationships.

Our defence and security cooperation is already strong, and this partnership between the two countries has real potential to benefit both our forces and our national interests going forward.

Today’s meeting builds on the common ground we share, including the deployment of our troops to Poland under NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence in the country, as we work together to protect our shared values, national security and people.

The Defence Capability and Industrial Dialogue was established last December, alongside the joint signing of the UK-Poland Treaty on Defence and Security Co-operation.

111 defence personnel have been granted state honours for their work in the military, Ministry of Defence and other aspects of UK Defence.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

Our Armed Forces work tirelessly to keep this country safe and I’m delighted for those who have been recognised today. Their unwavering commitment and service to our nation has helped ensure that Britain remains ready to face intensifying threats at home and abroad.

ROYAL NAVY AWARDS

PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BATH

As Companions

Rear Admiral Nicholas William HINE

Major General Robert Andrew MAGOWAN, CBE

Rear Admiral Antony David RADAKIN

PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

As Commander

Captain Michael Bruce KNOTT

As Officers

Commander Stephen Ronald ANDERSON

Colonel Steven John FRANCIS

Commander Ian HARROP

Commander Tristram Andrew Harry KIRKWOOD

Commander Graeme Peter KNOX

Commander Christopher Maxwell NEW

Acting Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd John PURSER, MBE

As Members

Lieutenant Commander William John Edgar BALL

Lieutenant Commander Hugh Walter Scott BOTTERILL

Warrant Officer 1 Engineering Technician (Communication Information Systems)
Daniel CASTLE

Chief Petty Officer (Seaman) Jay EARLY

Lieutenant Commander Fiona Jean HAYNES

Leading Engineering Technician (Weapon Engineering) James Gordon JOSE

Commander Andrew KELLETT

Lieutenant Commander Alastair Blevins LEY

Marine Nirmal PURJA

Commander Heather Elizabeth RIMMER

Lieutenant Commander Brian TRIM

QUEEN’S VOLUNTEER RESERVE MEDAL

Warrant Officer 1 Logistician (Supply Chain) Janice Pauline COX,
Royal Naval Reserve

ARMY AWARDS

PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BATH

As Knight Commanders

Lieutenant General Thomas Anthony BECKETT, CBE

Lieutenant General Mark William POFFLEY, OBE

As Companions

Lieutenant General James Ian BASHALL, CBE

Major General James Robert CHISWELL, CBE, MC

Major General Ivan Bartholomew Leonard JONES

PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

As Commanders

Colonel Michael Edward George CALDICOTT, MBE

Colonel John ETHERINGTON, OBE

Brigadier Simon Peter HAMILTON, OBE

Acting Brigadier Michael Robert KEATING

Colonel Francis Alexander James PIGGOTT, OBE

As Officers

Lieutenant Colonel Diane Margaret ALLEN, Intelligence Corps, Army
Reserve

Lieutenant Colonel Kevan BOLAM, Royal Corps of Signals

Lieutenant Colonel William BOLAM, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Lieutenant Colonel Dean David CANHAM, The Mercian Regiment

Lieutenant Colonel Raymond CAROLIN, General List, Army Reserve

Lieutenant Colonel Michael David CORNWELL, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment

Lieutenant Colonel Nathan CREW, The Royal Logistic Corps

Lieutenant Colonel Timothy John Gerald Stevens PURBRICK, The Royal Lancers, Army Reserve

Lieutenant Colonel Piers Guy Beresford STRUDWICK, The Royal Regiment of Scotland

Lieutenant Colonel Craig SWEETING, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Lieutenant Colonel Huw William Islwyn THOMAS, Royal Army Medical Corps

As Members

Staff Sergeant Sohail ASHRAF, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)

Warrant Officer Class 2 Duncan Edward BOOTH, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Major John Edward Mead CAREY-HUGHES, The King’s Royal Hussars

Acting Colonel David John Michael CARSON, Army Cadet Force

Major Daryl Richard COLLINS, Royal Corps of Signals

Major Daniel Michael CONLON, The Mercian Regiment

Major Pardeep Singh DHILLON, Intelligence Corps

Captain Gareth Edward DIBBLE, Royal Regiment of Artillery, Army
Reserve

Major Christopher FOGARTY, Royal Corps of Signals

Lieutenant Colonel Paula Michelle GEORGE, Adjutant General’s Corps
(Educational and Training Services Branch)

Acting Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Wesley GROUT, Corps of Royal Electrical
and Mechanical Engineers, Army Reserve

Warrant Officer Class 2 Andrew Ian HALLIDAY, Royal Army Physical Training Corps, Army Reserve

Major Walter George HUNTER, The Royal Regiment of Scotland

Staff Sergeant Kenneth Joseph JOHNSTON, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps

Acting Major Lucy Diana KIRKPATRICK, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Warrant Officer Class 2 Jason LIDDY, Small Arms School Corps

Major Joel Thomas MALPAS, Army Air Corps

Major Jonathon Mark MURLEY, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Major Stephen PALFREYMAN, Royal Corps of Signals, Army Reserve

Major Nicola Jane PARRY-BELCHER, The Royal Logistic Corps

Warrant Officer Class 1 Sean Henry PAWLIN-GARDNER, 1st The Queen’s
Dragoon Guards, Army Reserve

Captain Rebecca POGSON-HUGHES-EMANUEL, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Sergeant Timothy James RICE, The Parachute Regiment

Major Anthony Mark RICHARDSON, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Lieutenant Colonel Terence ROBSON, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)

Colour Sergeant Trevor Hamilton ROSS, The Royal Irish Regiment, Army
Reserve

Captain Louis Sebastian RUDD, The Parachute Regiment

Warrant Officer Class 2 Craig John RUTTER, The Yorkshire Regiment, Army Reserve

Warrant Officer Class 2 Darren SOBEY, Royal Regiment of Artillery

Lieutenant Colonel Justin George Edward STENHOUSE, DSO, 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards

Major Guy Allan Hadley THOBURN, Intelligence Corps

Corporal Thomas Alexander WHYTE, Intelligence Corps,

Major Edward Michael George WILLCOX, The Royal Welsh

Lieutenant Colonel David Alistair WILLEY, Royal Army Dental Corps

ROYAL RED CROSS

As an Ordinary Associate of the Royal Red Cross, Second Class

Major Karen Dorothy JAMIESON, Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing
Corps

QUEEN’S VOLUNTEER RESERVES MEDAL

Major Nial Philip BROWNE, TD, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army Reserve

Captain Andrew James Stephen HOLSGROVE, The Duke of Lancaster’s
Regiment, Army Reserve

Major Thomas George McFARLAND, The Royal Irish Regiment, Army Reserve

Staff Sergeant Gordon Andrew PURSLEY, The Royal Logistic Corps, Army
Reserve

Lieutenant Colonel Gillian Heather WILKINSON, Army Reserve

ROYAL AIR FORCE AWARDS

PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BATH

As Companions

Air Vice-Marshal Anthony Sean CORBETT, MBE

Air Vice-Marshal Graham Michael RUSSELL

PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

As Commanders

Group Captain Andrew David GREEN

Air Commodore Richard HILL

As Officers

Wing Commander (now Group Captain) James Anthony BECK

Wing Commander Simon James BOYLE

Wing Commander (now Group Captain) Emily Jane FLYNN

Wing Commander (now Group Captain) Paul David FROOME

Wing Commander Martin James HIGGINS

Wing Commander Christopher JONES

Group Captain Simon Robert STRASDIN

As Members

Flight Lieutenant Victoria Anne ATHERTON, (Cadet Forces)

Warrant Officer Richard Phillip BARBER

Squadron Leader Stephen Matthew BEARDMORE

Warrant Officer Kevin Ffrancon BEATTIE

Master Aircrew Mark Andrew BRADLEY

Warrant Officer Alan Stuart BRUCE

Squadron Leader James Niall DOYLE

Flight Sergeant Hywel Anthony GREENING

Flight Lieutenant Kathryn Hannah JANES

Wing Commander Adrian Russell JARVIS

Squadron Leader Stuart Gray McADAM

Squadron Leader Vanessa Jasmin Kathleen PLUMLEY

Flight Sergeant Louise Jane SIMPSON

Sergeant Kevin John STANNARD

Warrant Officer Lee Raymond TWYNING

Corporal Melvin Robert David WHYTE