Latest news with #TheRifles
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
My baby boy was born under hail of Putin's shells in war-torn Ukraine
They are considering a change after their son's birth CHILD OF WAR My baby boy was born under hail of Putin's shells in war-torn Ukraine Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SCOTS soldier who found love in Ukraine has revealed his wife gave birth to their firstborn son under a hail of Russian missiles. Daile McGhie, 23, signed up to defend the war-torn country before meeting Zhenya, 21, and the pair got married last year. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Daile McGhie with his newborn son Alexander Credit: Supplied 7 Daile McGhie met Zhenya on dating app Tinder Credit: Supplied 7 Their baby boy was born under threat from Russian ballistic missiles Credit: Supplied 7 Baby Alexander was born in Kyiv Credit: Supplied But after welcoming baby Alexander in the capital Kyiv, they are considering moving away for their child's sake. Daile, originally from Kilmarnock, said: 'I'm very split on what to do right now. I'd prefer to have my family in a place I know is safe.' He explained how the tot was brought into the world while the city was being bombarded by Putin's forces. The ex-British Army squaddie said: 'When Alexander was born, we were under an air raid with ballistic missiles and kamikaze drones. There were explosions nearby. 'It's difficult knowing our son is growing up in a country that is being heavily assaulted and destroyed. 'I only care about my wife and my son's safety. 'My life was only military before I met Zhenya, and Alex being born. It was a sign of hope for me — a sign that I had something to keep fighting for.' After three years with The Rifles regiment, Daile joined the International Legion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine when Russian forces invaded in March 2022. We told how he matched with Zhenya on dating app Tinder while he was on the frontline. They now live in the Ukrainian capital and had Alexander on May 5. New footage of Op Spiderweb shows drone blitzing Putin's burning aircraft Veterinary student Zhenya said she feared for their lives during the attack as she gave birth, adding: 'Having a child in that situation was scary. 'During every air raid I was holding Alex and covering him. My priority is his safety. 'When explosions get closer, I close his ears. Kids don't deserve to live in this. Hopefully this war will end soon. 7 Daile and Zhenya got married last year Credit: Supplied 7 The pair are considering leaving the city for the safety of their son Credit: Supplied 7 The loved-up couple welcomed baby Alexander into the world Credit: Supplied 'I really want to stay in Ukraine and be with my parents. I want them to watch Alex grow up.' Daile plans to keep fighting, while his wife is hoping carry on her studies and gain a vet diploma. They are researching visa options as friends raise funds to help them move. Daile said: 'My main fear is that something will happen to Zhenya and Alex, or to me while I'm away. But I want to defend what I love.'
Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Almost 7,000 troops have been booted out of the Armed Forces for taking drugs over the last eight years
Infantry regiment The Rifles has one of the worst records, with at least 151 failing compulsory drugs tests between 2017 and 2025 MARCHING ORDERS Almost 7,000 troops have been booted out of the Armed Forces for taking drugs over the last eight years Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ALMOST 7,000 troops have been booted out of the Armed Forces for taking drugs over the last eight years, figures show. The Army alone is sacking about 500 soldiers — the size of a battalion — every year. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Infantry regiment The Rifles has one of the worst records, with at least 151 failing compulsory drugs tests between 2017 and 2025. Ministry of Defence figures showed cocaine was by far the most popular drug used, followed by cannabis and ecstasy. Former commander Colonel Richard Kemp said: 'Most who take illegal drugs do so on leave outside the military environment, often under pressure from mates back home. "But there is no place for drug abuse in the Armed Forces.' The MoD said tests ensured 'maximum deterrence.' An MoD spokesperson: 'Substance abuse is unacceptable in the Armed Forces and we have run the Armed Forces Compulsory Drug Testing (AFCDT) Programme since January 1995. 'We robustly enforce a zero tolerance policy to drug use by all those who serve and provide an education programme to inform all personnel of the dangers and consequences of substance misuse. 'We maintain a comprehensive programme of compulsory random drug testing to ensure maximum deterrence. "Anyone found to have misused drugs faces severe consequences, including discharge from service.' British soldier appears to snort suspicious white substance in video published to social media
The Sun
17-05-2025
- The Sun
Almost 7,000 troops have been booted out of the Armed Forces for taking drugs over the last eight years
ALMOST 7,000 troops have been booted out of the Armed Forces for taking drugs over the last eight years, figures show. The Army alone is sacking about 500 soldiers — the size of a battalion — every year. Infantry regiment The Rifles has one of the worst records, with at least 151 failing compulsory drugs tests between 2017 and 2025. Ministry of Defence figures showed cocaine was by far the most popular drug used, followed by cannabis and ecstasy. Former commander Colonel Richard Kemp said: 'Most who take illegal drugs do so on leave outside the military environment, often under pressure from mates back home. "But there is no place for drug abuse in the Armed Forces.' The MoD said tests ensured 'maximum deterrence.' An MoD spokesperson: 'Substance abuse is unacceptable in the Armed Forces and we have run the Armed Forces Compulsory Drug Testing (AFCDT) Programme since January 1995. 'We robustly enforce a zero tolerance policy to drug use by all those who serve and provide an education programme to inform all personnel of the dangers and consequences of substance misuse. 'We maintain a comprehensive programme of compulsory random drug testing to ensure maximum deterrence. "Anyone found to have misused drugs faces severe consequences, including discharge from service.' British soldier appears to snort suspicious white substance in video published to social media 1
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Labour faces 'mutiny' over 'betrayal' of British soldiers over bid to axe law that protects Northern Ireland veterans from legal action - as army regiments break ranks to voice their anger over planned reforms
Labour is facing a 'mutiny' for 'betraying' British soldiers over its plan to scrap legal protection for Northern Ireland veterans. It comes as three of the biggest infantry regiments in the British Army appeared to break ranks online to condemn proposals to axe the Legacy Act. The legislation offers protection for UK troops who served during the Troubles fighting the IRA, by shutting down historical inquests and preventing new civil cases from being launched. Two separate tweets from The Rifles' and the Royal Fusiliers Regimental HQ's accounts on X shared a petition urging members to sign it to spark a debate in Parliament to 'correct' the reforms to the Act. An email from The Royal Welsh's Regimental HQ - seen by MailOnline - was also sent out by retired Colonel Rob Dickinson, calling on troops and their families to back the campaign. The move by the units is extraordinarily unusual as soldiers are not permitted to share political views. Defence experts say it appeared to be part of a 'co-ordinated' plan of rebellion, allegedly led by senior officers. Andrew Fox, a retired Parachute Regiment Major, said it hinted at a 'mutiny' brewing within the Army. 'Engaging in a political campaign of this nature is unheard of,' the decorated paratrooper told MailOnline. 'It shows the depths of betrayal felt in the armed forces over the government's proposal. 'Not only for those who served in the past, but also those who serve now and will serve in the future. How can any soldier deploy in confidence, knowing that 30, 40, 50 years later, they might find themselves dragged through the courts on the flimsiest of evidence?' Robert Clark, an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran who was a sponsor of the petition, said the government's plan marked a 'deep betrayal' of UK troops. 'It's quite extraordinary that serving soldiers - almost undoubtedly officers, who run regiments' official social media accounts - have broken ranks over a political issue,' Mr Clark, a former regular soldier who now serves as a reservist, told MailOnline. 'It's quite extraordinary - but that just goes to show the strength of feeling on this within the British Army. 'There are very few people still serving who are Northern Ireland veterans, so for those personnel to stand shoulder to shoulder with their former colleagues and speak out further shows the deep sense of betrayal and anger at the government.' The Research Fellow at the Yorktown Institute added: 'I have several friends who served in Belfast, South Armagh, and Crossmaglen - and they'll never vote Labour again.' Military sources and critics fear the canning of the legislation will allow veterans - some now in their 80s - to be dragged through court and reinvestigated after previously being cleared of wrongdoing. A petition was set up earlier this month by retired brigadier Ian Robert Liles, who called on Labour to scrap the reforms amid fears it would lead to veterans being prosecuted. British soldiers of the Royal Anglian Regiment with protective shields are seen moving in to quell a riot in the Bogside area of Londonderry on August 14, 1971 British forces spent decades based in Northern Ireland, operating in the country between 1969 and 2007 while they fought the IRA. Pictured is a soldier in Belfast in October 1993 Mr Liles said the campaign was aimed at blocking the law change, which would affect former soldiers who served under Operation Banner, the codename for Britain's military campaign in Northern Ireland between 1969 and 2007. The petition has already reached more than 44,000 signatures - almost half of the 100,000 it will need to trigger a debate in Parliament. The unauthorised post by the Rifles, made on Tuesday, has since triggered an investigation by the Ministry of Defence. The post, which featured the regiment's logo, said: 'The Government is looking to repeal elements of the NI Troubles Act. This will mean that veterans can be reinvestigated despite having previously been cleared of any wrongdoings. 'So that a parliamentary debate can be held to correct this, we encourage you to click on the link and sign your name.' The tweet was deleted on Wednesday evening. In a similar post, the Fusiliers RHQ - which is based in the Tower of London - wrote on X: 'Army veterans recently launched a petition, objecting to Labour's 'Two Tier Justice' of pursuing Army Veterans. They need 100K signatures to get the subject debated - CAN YOU HELP? Please sign and share!' Meanwhile, in the email from the Royal Welsh's RHQ, Col Dickinson - who is chairman of the regimental association - described the law reform as a 'sensitive issue'. Pictured is a member of the Royal Welsh during an urban training drill in Sissonne, France on April 24 'Many of us served in Northern Ireland and this petition relates to the rights of NI veterans so you may wish to promulgate to your family and friends,' he wrote. 'Clearly signing such a petition is entirely up to the individual. If the petition secures 100,000 signatories, the petition will be considered for debate in parliament.' Major Fox, who previously served in the Royal Welsh before earning his maroon beret in the Parachute Regiment, said it was 'very likely' the email had been sent to serving soldiers. The Legacy Act prevented dozens of civil cases and inquests linked to the Troubles from going ahead. It also offered conditional immunity for perpetrators of crimes during the conflict, in exchange for their co-operation with a new investigatory body called the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). The legislation - pushed into law by the former Conservative government - followed a number of high-profile prosecutions of British Army veterans who served during the Troubles. It was opposed by Northern Irish parties, including Sinn Fein, the DUP and the Republic of Ireland. A Northern Irish High Court ruled the legislation was incompatible with human rights laws, while critics railed against the potential of offering conditional amnesty to those who committed offences. Last month, former troopers in the British Army's elite Special Air Service (SAS) accused the Government of 'throwing them under the bus' over the changes. The SAS Regimental Association - which represents regular and reserve units in the SAS - hit out at the plan and urged its 5,000-strong membership to write to their MPs. It is believed almost 200 people have since expressed their anger, with a letter from the association warning: 'Hundreds [of veterans] are ensnared in legacy processes, in many cases facing years of more uncertainty and stress after decades of the same. The letter said it was 'unsurprising veterans feel unjustly hounded for doing their duty' given there were 'endless avenues for legal appeal and continual changes in government policy', reported the Times. The backlash comes after an inquest ruled an SAS squad used unjustified force to kill four IRA terrorists - who had used a mounted machine gun to shoot up a police station in 1992. SAS veteran Phil Campion was enraged his comrades could be hit by future murder probes over their service. The 56-year-old Staff Sergeant said: 'We're being unfairly hounded. It's insane. It comes as an inquest ruled a Special Air Service squad used unjustified force to kill four IRA terrorists who had used a mounted machine gun to shoot up a police station in 1992 (pictured is the truck with its mounted machine gun, rear) 'The government has thrown a shroud of protection around the IRA and completely thrown us under the bus.' Phil, who served 15 years in the military, five of which were with 22 SAS, and spent about five years on operational tours in Northern Ireland, added: 'There are people who risked their lives to serve who now feel very bitter and twisted about it all.' The Government is retaining certain elements of the Legacy Act, including the ICRIR. However, it will scrap the controversial amnesty policy. An MoD spokesman said a probe had been launched into the post on the official Rifles X account. 'We are investigating a tweet which was published in error and without correct authorisation,' an official said. The Rifles is the British Army's largest infantry regiment. Describing itself as one of the finest fighting units, it has been at the forefront of overseas operations for decades.
Telegraph
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Army regiment condemns Starmer's move to scrap veterans' Troubles protections
The Ministry of Defence is investigating after the army's largest infantry regiment appeared to condemn the Government over plans to scrap Troubles protections for veterans. An unauthorised tweet from the official account of The Rifles urged members to sign a petition for a debate in parliament to 'correct' plans to repeal parts of the Legacy Act. Critics say ministers' plans to change the law will allow veterans to be re-investigated after being previously cleared of wrongdoing A petition was launched last week by Ian Robert Liles, a retired brigadier, calling on the government not to make any changes to legislation that would allow veterans to be prosecuted. Mr Liles said the petition is aimed at 'stopping the Government from allowing persecution of our Northern Ireland veterans' who served under Operation Banner, the codename for British Armed Forces operations in Northern Ireland from 1969 to 2007. It was shared by the Rifles Regiment's X account on Tuesday. The petition has so far gathered 38,000 signatures meaning the Government will have to respond and if it reaches 100,000 signatures will be considered for debate in Parliament. It has been signed by many former soldiers as well as David Johnstone, the Northern Ireland veterans commissioner. The post, featuring the regiment's logo, said: 'The government is looking to repeal elements of the NI Troubles Act. This will mean that veterans can be re-investigated despite having previously been cleared of any wrong doings. 'So that a Parliamentary debate can be held to correct this we encourage you to click on the link and sign your name'. The tweet was later deleted. Conditional immunity The Legacy Act halted dozens of civil cases and inquests linked to the conflict and also offered conditional immunity for perpetrators of crimes during the Troubles in exchange for their co-operation with a new investigatory body, the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). The Act followed a number of British Army veteran prosecutions in recent years in connection with fatal incidents during the 30-year conflict between republican and loyalist paramilitaries. It was pushed into law by the Conservatives despite opposition from all the major Northern Irish parties, including the DUP and Sinn Fein, and the Republic of Ireland. Critics were opposed to the concept of offering perpetrators of crimes conditional immunity and a Northern Irish High Court ruled the legislation was incompatible with human rights laws. Labour has now started the process of repealing the Act after promising to do so before the general election in July. The Government is retaining certain elements of the Act, including the ICRIR, but will axe the contentious immunity provision and see the restoration of legacy inquests and civil cases. Last month a thousand veterans descended on Parliament on Good Friday to protest against the changes. The bike-riding veterans, many dressed with medals and berets from their service in Northern Ireland, closed much of Westminster in an organised go-slow demonstration. The Rifles is the British Army's largest infantry regiment and is at the forefront of overseas operations and describes itself as one of the finest fighting units. It is made up of more than 4,300 riflemen and seven battalions across 26 locations. An MoD spokesman said: 'We are investigating a tweet which was published in error and without correct authorisation.'
