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04/02/2008
Winds Farms A National Security Threat
The MoD has lodged last-minute objections to at least four offshore windfarms as they have discovered that the turbines interfere with radar.
The Times has learned the windfarms block the line of sight of MoD stations in the east coast, making it impossible for them to spot passing aircraft. The problem looks likely to jeopardise the government’s ambitious plans to have these off shore windfarms provide up to a third of Britain’s energy needs.
The same objections are likely to apply to wind turbines in the North Sea, part of the massive renewable energy project announced by John Hutton, the Energy Secretary, over two months ago.
They would be directly in line with the three principal radar defence stations, Brizlee Wood, Saxton Wold and Trimingham on the Northumberland, Yorkshire and Norfolk coasts.
A senior MoD expert gave evidence to a planning inquiry last October and said that the turbines create a hole in radar coverage so that aircraft flying overhead are not detectable.
The findings were the result of trials carried out in 2004 and 2005 but the MoD has only toughened its stance more recently.
Developers are furious with the policy u-turn as they had previously been told that there would be no defence implications. A letter of protest has now been written to Mr Hutton and Des Browne, the Defence Secretary, explaining that millions of pounds of investment are at risk.
(GC)
The Times has learned the windfarms block the line of sight of MoD stations in the east coast, making it impossible for them to spot passing aircraft. The problem looks likely to jeopardise the government’s ambitious plans to have these off shore windfarms provide up to a third of Britain’s energy needs.
The same objections are likely to apply to wind turbines in the North Sea, part of the massive renewable energy project announced by John Hutton, the Energy Secretary, over two months ago.
They would be directly in line with the three principal radar defence stations, Brizlee Wood, Saxton Wold and Trimingham on the Northumberland, Yorkshire and Norfolk coasts.
A senior MoD expert gave evidence to a planning inquiry last October and said that the turbines create a hole in radar coverage so that aircraft flying overhead are not detectable.
The findings were the result of trials carried out in 2004 and 2005 but the MoD has only toughened its stance more recently.
Developers are furious with the policy u-turn as they had previously been told that there would be no defence implications. A letter of protest has now been written to Mr Hutton and Des Browne, the Defence Secretary, explaining that millions of pounds of investment are at risk.
(GC)
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19 August 2013
Whitehall War Office To Be Sold
A Ministry of Defence War Office building in Whitehall is to be sold to support "Defence priorities," it has been announced. The Old War Office was built in 1902 for the Imperial General Staff and was a focal point throughout the major conflicts of the 20th century. It housed numerous secretaries of state, including Winston Churchill.
Whitehall War Office To Be Sold
A Ministry of Defence War Office building in Whitehall is to be sold to support "Defence priorities," it has been announced. The Old War Office was built in 1902 for the Imperial General Staff and was a focal point throughout the major conflicts of the 20th century. It housed numerous secretaries of state, including Winston Churchill.
23 May 2003
War hero subject of second MoD probe
It has emerged today that Colonel Tim Collins, the British Army commander who won international plaudits for his moving pre-battle speech in Iraq, is the subject of a second MoD probe. The second inquiry surrounds the apparent suicide of an 18-year-old private soldier at Drumaad barracks, Co Armagh in Northern Ireland, two years ago.
War hero subject of second MoD probe
It has emerged today that Colonel Tim Collins, the British Army commander who won international plaudits for his moving pre-battle speech in Iraq, is the subject of a second MoD probe. The second inquiry surrounds the apparent suicide of an 18-year-old private soldier at Drumaad barracks, Co Armagh in Northern Ireland, two years ago.
11 December 2014
MoD Announce Closure Of Kinloss Search And Rescue Centre
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced the closure of the search and rescue co-ordination centre at Kinloss in Moray. Operations are to be relocated to the National Maritime Operations Centre in Fareham.
MoD Announce Closure Of Kinloss Search And Rescue Centre
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced the closure of the search and rescue co-ordination centre at Kinloss in Moray. Operations are to be relocated to the National Maritime Operations Centre in Fareham.
11 August 2014
RAF Aid Drop In Iraq Abandoned Over Safety Fears
A planned aid dropped in Iraq was aborted at the last minute over safety concerns, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. It is understood that a drop on Saturday was successful but a second drop, planned for a mountain in the north of Iraq, was abandoned at the last minute over fears that the cargo would injure those on the ground.
RAF Aid Drop In Iraq Abandoned Over Safety Fears
A planned aid dropped in Iraq was aborted at the last minute over safety concerns, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. It is understood that a drop on Saturday was successful but a second drop, planned for a mountain in the north of Iraq, was abandoned at the last minute over fears that the cargo would injure those on the ground.
05 July 2011
Military Helicopter Crashes
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that a military helicopter has crashed near an industrial estate in Hampshire. The Puma helicopter is understood to have come down near Andover. An MoD spokesman said that no serious injuries are reported and no buildings or vehicles were involved in the accident. An investigation is under way.
Military Helicopter Crashes
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that a military helicopter has crashed near an industrial estate in Hampshire. The Puma helicopter is understood to have come down near Andover. An MoD spokesman said that no serious injuries are reported and no buildings or vehicles were involved in the accident. An investigation is under way.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
