With the nation's media focused on our future sovereign, could there be a better day to try to hide bad news? The quote 'Lies, damned lies and statistics' I am sure has been uttered at both the MOD and in the Army HQ in the past few days, but what is BAFF's view of the AFCAS survey published today?

A Labour MP claims that the military's senior officers are being protected from the worst effects of the defence cuts at the expense of lower ranks. From a report in the Guardian:

We are honoured to have received this thank-you message from Mrs Kim Baleiwai on behalf of the Baleiwai family:

"We would like to thank BAFF and all those kind people that have supported our case and signed our petition. We have been overwhelmed by the support and the generosity of spirit of others to find time for my family, in what has been a difficult 5 months.

The latest feedback to CGS's briefing team, summarised in Soldier magazine, has highlighted concerns about cuts in Army numbers and spending on accommodation, and deep worries about future pension cuts. CGS used an article in the same issue to respond to the concerns raised, saying he sympathised with some of his soldiers’ complaints. From a report in The Daily Telegraph:

Fear of reputational damage and political controversy gags senior officers.

Supreme Court hearings began today (Mon 18 Feb) in three long legal battles by dead soldiers' families against the Ministry of Defence.

BBC News reports (12 Nov 2010) that Downing Street has rejected calls to protect the armed forces from cuts to public sector pensions:

The influential House of Commons Defence Committee has backed BAFF's call for the role and powers of the Service Complaints Commissioner to be enhanced to that of a full Armed Forces Ombudsman.

Badly wounded soldiers are subjected to a “postcode lottery” of care on the NHS when they leave the Services, charity chiefs have told MPs.From the Daily Telegraph:

Labour Party leader Ed Miliband has appointed the new Shadow defence team. Shadow Secretary of State Jim Murphy will be supported by former Defence Minister Kevan Jones, along with Russell Brown, Michael Dugher and Gemma Doyle.