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North Wales Chronicle
15-05-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
Top special forces general Gwyn Jenkins named head of the Royal Navy
Royal Marine Sir Gwyn replaces Admiral Sir Benjamin Key as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff. He is the first Royal Marine to be appointed to the role, and he has also been made an aide-de-camp to the King. The Defence Secretary has confirmed that His Majesty The King has approved the new appointment of General Sir Gwyn Jenkins as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff. 🔗: — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) May 15, 2025 In a statement, Sir Gwyn said: 'It is an honour to be selected as the next First Sea Lord. 'I feel extremely privileged to lead the exceptional sailors and marines of the Royal Navy at this pivotal time for UK Defence. 'Throughout my career, I have always been motivated by the vital role the Royal Navy has in keeping our nation safe. 'To do that now, we need to accelerate our return to a war fighting force that is ready for conflict, expand our modernisation efforts and deliver the Royal Navy our nation needs.' The general had been in line to become the UK's national security adviser until Sir Keir Starmer cancelled the appointment by his predecessor as prime minister, Rishi Sunak. On Tuesday, BBC Panorama reported claims Sir Gwyn had overseen the rejection of resettlement claims of Afghan commandos who served with UK special forces amid allegations of extra-judicial killings which were subject to a public inquiry. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) told the BBC it was 'fully committed' to supporting the ongoing inquiry and urged anyone with relevant information to come forward. The department said it was 'not appropriate for the MoD to comment' on allegations explored by the inquiry. Defence Secretary John Healey said the incoming First Sea Lord was a 'proven leader' as he welcomed him to the role. 'I know he will deliver in this pivotal role, making Britain secure at home and strong abroad,' Mr Healey added. Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said: 'As one of the outstanding Royal Marines of his generation, he brings with him a wealth of operational and organisational expertise. 'His appointment reflects a corps which is bound even more tightly to the way the Royal Navy thinks, operates and fights.' It is not yet clear when General Sir Gwyn will take up duties as the head of the Royal Navy. His predecessor, Admiral Sir Ben, stood down earlier than expected, amid an investigation which is understood to be related to a relationship with a female subordinate. An MoD spokesperson said it would 'inappropriate to comment at this time' due to the ongoing investigation. The Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell, is currently in command of the Royal Navy on an interim basis.
Rhyl Journal
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
Top special forces general Gwyn Jenkins named head of the Royal Navy
Royal Marine Sir Gwyn replaces Admiral Sir Benjamin Key as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff. He is the first Royal Marine to be appointed to the role, and he has also been made an aide-de-camp to the King. The Defence Secretary has confirmed that His Majesty The King has approved the new appointment of General Sir Gwyn Jenkins as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff. 🔗: — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) May 15, 2025 In a statement, Sir Gwyn said: 'It is an honour to be selected as the next First Sea Lord. 'I feel extremely privileged to lead the exceptional sailors and marines of the Royal Navy at this pivotal time for UK Defence. 'Throughout my career, I have always been motivated by the vital role the Royal Navy has in keeping our nation safe. 'To do that now, we need to accelerate our return to a war fighting force that is ready for conflict, expand our modernisation efforts and deliver the Royal Navy our nation needs.' The general had been in line to become the UK's national security adviser until Sir Keir Starmer cancelled the appointment by his predecessor as prime minister, Rishi Sunak. On Tuesday, BBC Panorama reported claims Sir Gwyn had overseen the rejection of resettlement claims of Afghan commandos who served with UK special forces amid allegations of extra-judicial killings which were subject to a public inquiry. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) told the BBC it was 'fully committed' to supporting the ongoing inquiry and urged anyone with relevant information to come forward. The department said it was 'not appropriate for the MoD to comment' on allegations explored by the inquiry. Defence Secretary John Healey said the incoming First Sea Lord was a 'proven leader' as he welcomed him to the role. 'I know he will deliver in this pivotal role, making Britain secure at home and strong abroad,' Mr Healey added. Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said: 'As one of the outstanding Royal Marines of his generation, he brings with him a wealth of operational and organisational expertise. 'His appointment reflects a corps which is bound even more tightly to the way the Royal Navy thinks, operates and fights.' It is not yet clear when General Sir Gwyn will take up duties as the head of the Royal Navy. His predecessor, Admiral Sir Ben, stood down earlier than expected, amid an investigation which is understood to be related to a relationship with a female subordinate. An MoD spokesperson said it would 'inappropriate to comment at this time' due to the ongoing investigation. The Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell, is currently in command of the Royal Navy on an interim basis.
Leader Live
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Leader Live
Top special forces general Gwyn Jenkins named head of the Royal Navy
Royal Marine Sir Gwyn replaces Admiral Sir Benjamin Key as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff. He is the first Royal Marine to be appointed to the role, and he has also been made an aide-de-camp to the King. The Defence Secretary has confirmed that His Majesty The King has approved the new appointment of General Sir Gwyn Jenkins as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff. 🔗: — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) May 15, 2025 In a statement, Sir Gwyn said: 'It is an honour to be selected as the next First Sea Lord. 'I feel extremely privileged to lead the exceptional sailors and marines of the Royal Navy at this pivotal time for UK Defence. 'Throughout my career, I have always been motivated by the vital role the Royal Navy has in keeping our nation safe. 'To do that now, we need to accelerate our return to a war fighting force that is ready for conflict, expand our modernisation efforts and deliver the Royal Navy our nation needs.' The general had been in line to become the UK's national security adviser until Sir Keir Starmer cancelled the appointment by his predecessor as prime minister, Rishi Sunak. On Tuesday, BBC Panorama reported claims Sir Gwyn had overseen the rejection of resettlement claims of Afghan commandos who served with UK special forces amid allegations of extra-judicial killings which were subject to a public inquiry. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) told the BBC it was 'fully committed' to supporting the ongoing inquiry and urged anyone with relevant information to come forward. The department said it was 'not appropriate for the MoD to comment' on allegations explored by the inquiry. Defence Secretary John Healey said the incoming First Sea Lord was a 'proven leader' as he welcomed him to the role. 'I know he will deliver in this pivotal role, making Britain secure at home and strong abroad,' Mr Healey added. Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said: 'As one of the outstanding Royal Marines of his generation, he brings with him a wealth of operational and organisational expertise. 'His appointment reflects a corps which is bound even more tightly to the way the Royal Navy thinks, operates and fights.' It is not yet clear when General Sir Gwyn will take up duties as the head of the Royal Navy. His predecessor, Admiral Sir Ben, stood down earlier than expected, amid an investigation which is understood to be related to a relationship with a female subordinate. An MoD spokesperson said it would 'inappropriate to comment at this time' due to the ongoing investigation. The Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell, is currently in command of the Royal Navy on an interim basis.
South Wales Guardian
15-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Top special forces general Gwyn Jenkins named as head of the Royal Navy
Royal Marine Sir Gwyn replaces Admiral Sir Benjamin Key as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff. He is the first Royal Marine to be appointed to the role, and he has also been made an aide-de-camp to the King. The Defence Secretary has confirmed that His Majesty The King has approved the new appointment of General Sir Gwyn Jenkins as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff. 🔗: — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) May 15, 2025 In a statement, Sir Gwyn said: 'It is an honour to be selected as the next First Sea Lord. 'I feel extremely privileged to lead the exceptional sailors and marines of the Royal Navy at this pivotal time for UK Defence. 'Throughout my career, I have always been motivated by the vital role the Royal Navy has in keeping our nation safe. 'To do that now, we need to accelerate our return to a war fighting force that is ready for conflict, expand our modernisation efforts and deliver the Royal Navy our nation needs.' The general had been in line to become the UK's national security adviser until Sir Keir Starmer cancelled the appointment by his predecessor as prime minister, Rishi Sunak. On Tuesday, BBC Panorama reported claims Sir Gwyn had overseen the rejection of resettlement claims of Afghan commandos who served with UK special forces amid allegations of extra-judicial killings which were subject to a public inquiry. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) told the BBC it was 'fully committed' to supporting the ongoing inquiry and urged anyone with relevant information to come forward. The department said it was 'not appropriate for the MoD to comment' on allegations explored by the inquiry. Defence Secretary John Healey said the incoming First Sea Lord was a 'proven leader' as he welcomed him to the role. 'I know he will deliver in this pivotal role, making Britain secure at home and strong abroad,' Mr Healey added. Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said: 'As one of the outstanding Royal Marines of his generation, he brings with him a wealth of operational and organisational expertise. 'His appointment reflects a corps which is bound even more tightly to the way the Royal Navy thinks, operates and fights.' It is not yet clear when General Sir Gwyn will take up duties as the head of the Royal Navy. His predecessor, Admiral Sir Ben, stood down earlier than expected, amid an investigation which is understood to be related to a relationship with a female subordinate. An MoD spokesperson said it would 'inappropriate to comment at this time' due to the ongoing investigation. The Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell, is currently in command of the Royal Navy on an interim basis.
The Independent
14-05-2025
- The Independent
Royal Navy commander removed from role over allegations of sexual behaviour
A Royal Navy commander has been removed from his role less than three months into post while he is investigated over sexual allegations. Lieutenant Commander Martyn Mayger took charge of the warship HMS Tyne in February. It is understood he has been removed from command in the past week, with the executive officer of the ship taking his place temporarily. The Times reported the allegations are of 'unacceptable sexual behaviour with a subordinate'. The newspaper said Lt Cdr Mayger is being investigated by the Defence Serious Crime Command after a complaint was raised. The ship operates in UK and European waters on security tasks and 'protects the UK's interests', the Royal Navy said. A Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday: 'We can confirm that a member of the armed forces is under investigation by the Defence Serious Crime Command in respect of these allegations. 'As the matter is subject to an ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further. 'We have a zero-tolerance approach to criminal and inappropriate behaviour. Our people can be assured that should they raise any allegation, they will be fully supported, and the matter investigated, with appropriate action taken as required.' It comes after the head of Royal Navy was told to step back amid reports of an alleged affair with a subordinate. The MoD said on Friday that an investigation into First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Benjamin Key, 59, was 'ongoing'. He had reportedly been expected to retire this summer but it is understood he has been told to step back from his role while the investigation takes place.
