Ministry blocks SAS book
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Ministry of Defence has taken out a court injunction banning publication of a book which disclosed details about the work of the top secret SAS, it emerged last night.
A Ministry spokeswoman confirmed the injunction had been obtained from the High Court stopping the book, Immediate Action, from going on sale. The book would have compromised the "operational effectiveness and the personal security of personnel in the SAS,"she said.
It is thought that the book by Andy McNab contained confidential top secret details about the operations of the SAS during the Gulf War in 1991. "There is no question about it. The work of special forces is something we do not discuss," the spokeswoman added.
The decision was taken by the MoD's legal section in the absence of the Defence Secretary Michael Portillo, who is on holiday. The injunction was granted by the Chancery division of the High Court in London.
t More than 200 officers and ratings are being forced out of the Royal Navy in the latest jobs cuts, it was disclosed last night. The reductions include the first admiral to be made redundant since Nelson's time - Rear Admiral Robin Shiffner, 53.
His job as Director General Fleet Support (Equipment and Support) has been axed under reorganisation plans. It is likely that some ratings selected for redundancy might have to return to sea for a short time until replacements are found.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments