British soldier dies in Malawi during anti-poaching operation - BBC News

A British soldier has been killed by an elephant during a counter-poaching operation in Malawi.

Mathew Talbot, 22, of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, was on patrol in Liwonde National Park on 5 May when he was charged by the animal.

His commanding officer, Lt Col Ed Launders, described Guardsman Talbot as "determined and big-hearted".

Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said he served with "great courage and professionalism".

She added: "This tragic incident is a reminder of the danger our military faces as they protect some of the world's most endangered species from those who seek to profit from the criminal slaughter of wildlife."

Kensington Palace said the Duke of Cambridge was writing to Gdsm Talbot's family to offer his condolences.

Gdsm Talbot, who was from the West Midlands, was serving in his first operational deployment, the Ministry of Defence said.

The patrol of armed British army soldiers and African Park Rangers was walking through tall grass - up to 7ft (2.1m) high - when they disturbed an unseen herd of elephants.

One of them charged at Gdsm Talbot. He died soon after from his injuries. No-one else on the patrol was hurt.

He leaves behind his father Steven, his mother Michelle, his sisters Aimee and Isabel, and his girlfriend, Olivia.

In a statement, the MoD said Gdsm Talbot "was not unfamiliar" with Africa and had volunteered to support counter-poaching in Malawi.

"With his keen interest in military history he was proud to have joined a regiment with such a rich and long lineage," it added.

Operation Corded, the name given to the Army's counter-poaching deployment in Malawi, assists in the training of rangers in a bid to help them crack down on the illegal wildlife trade.

Park rangers are taught skills such as tracking, partnered patrolling, communications, surveillance, and intelligence-sharing - with the first deployment taking place in August 2017.

The former defence secretary, Gavin Williamson, announced the expansion of the UK's counter-poaching training at two parks in Malawi - doubling the number of rangers mentored by soldiers to 120 - in 2018.

Gdsm Talbot's company commander, Maj Richard Wright, said that while he had only known the soldier for a short time, "he never failed to make me smile".

Lt Col Launders added: "Mathew was loved by his brothers in arms in the Coldstream Guards. We will sorely miss his humour, selflessness and unbeatable spirit."

Shadow defence secretary Nia Griffith described the death as "tragic news".

She added: "It underlines the dedication and selflessness of our armed forces personnel serving across the world.

"My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

Elephant poaching is a huge problem across Africa - some estimates say 30,000 are killed every year - and there are probably only around 450,000 left.

In many places it has become literally a war against poachers - that's why rangers are trained by British troops.

But there are different views over how to stop the illegal ivory trade.

International campaigns - backed by countries like Kenya - want a complete end to all ivory trade to prevent criminals exploiting permit loopholes.

But some southern African countries which account for the majority of Africa's elephants, believe limited and well-regulated trade in ivory can raise money to pay for conservation.

Botswana, which has been hosting an elephant summit over the past few days, has perhaps 130,000 of the animals - more than anywhere else - and has problems with human and elephant conflict.

The peculiar gift of elephant-foot stools to visiting leaders was a strong message in support of trade.

Under the management of a new president, it looks likely to re-introduce hunting -which is popular with rural voters - in an election year.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-48190628

2019-05-08 02:41:43Z
CBMiJGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy91ay00ODE5MDYyONIBKGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy9hbXAvdWstNDgxOTA2Mjg

British soldier dies in Malawi during anti-poaching operation - BBC News

A British soldier has been killed by an elephant during a counter-poaching operation in Malawi.

Mathew Talbot, 22, of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, was on patrol in Liwonde National Park on 5 May when he was charged by the animal.

His commanding officer, Lt Col Ed Launders, described Guardsman Talbot as "determined and big-hearted".

Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said he served with "great courage and professionalism".

She added: "This tragic incident is a reminder of the danger our military faces as they protect some of the world's most endangered species from those who seek to profit from the criminal slaughter of wildlife."

Kensington Palace said the Duke of Cambridge was writing to Gdsm Talbot's family to offer his condolences.

Gdsm Talbot, who was from the West Midlands, was serving in his first operational deployment, the Ministry of Defence said.

The patrol of armed British army soldiers and African Park Rangers was walking through tall grass - up to 7ft (2.1m) high - when they disturbed an unseen herd of elephants.

One of them charged at Gdsm Talbot. He died soon after from his injuries. No-one else on the patrol was hurt.

He leaves behind his father Steven, his mother Michelle, his sisters Aimee and Isabel, and his girlfriend, Olivia.

In a statement, the MoD said Gdsm Talbot "was not unfamiliar" with Africa and had volunteered to support counter-poaching in Malawi.

"With his keen interest in military history he was proud to have joined a regiment with such a rich and long lineage," it added.

Operation Corded, the name given to the Army's counter-poaching deployment in Malawi, assists in the training of rangers in a bid to help them crack down on the illegal wildlife trade.

Park rangers are taught skills such as tracking, partnered patrolling, communications, surveillance, and intelligence-sharing - with the first deployment taking place in August 2017.

The former defence secretary, Gavin Williamson, announced the expansion of the UK's counter-poaching training at two parks in Malawi - doubling the number of rangers mentored by soldiers to 120 - in 2018.

Gdsm Talbot's company commander, Maj Richard Wright, said that while he had only known the soldier for a short time, "he never failed to make me smile".

Lt Col Launders added: "Mathew was loved by his brothers in arms in the Coldstream Guards. We will sorely miss his humour, selflessness and unbeatable spirit."

Shadow defence secretary Nia Griffith described the death as "tragic news".

She added: "It underlines the dedication and selflessness of our armed forces personnel serving across the world.

"My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

Elephant poaching is a huge problem across Africa - some estimates say 30,000 are killed every year - and there are probably only around 450,000 left.

In many places it has become literally a war against poachers - that's why rangers are trained by British troops.

But there are different views over how to stop the illegal ivory trade.

International campaigns - backed by countries like Kenya - want a complete end to all ivory trade to prevent criminals exploiting permit loopholes.

But some southern African countries which account for the majority of Africa's elephants, believe limited and well-regulated trade in ivory can raise money to pay for conservation.

Botswana, which has been hosting an elephant summit over the past few days, has perhaps 130,000 of the animals - more than anywhere else - and has problems with human and elephant conflict.

The peculiar gift of elephant-foot stools to visiting leaders was a strong message in support of trade.

Under the management of a new president, it looks likely to re-introduce hunting -which is popular with rural voters - in an election year.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-48190628

2019-05-08 02:17:00Z
CBMiJGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy91ay00ODE5MDYyONIBKGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy9hbXAvdWstNDgxOTA2Mjg

British soldier dies in Malawi during anti-poaching operation - BBC News

A British soldier has been killed by an elephant during a counter-poaching operation in Malawi.

Mathew Talbot, 22, of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, was on patrol in Liwonde National Park on 5 May when he was charged by the animal.

His commanding officer, Lt Col Ed Launders, described Guardsman Talbot as "determined and big-hearted".

Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said he served with "great courage and professionalism".

She added: "This tragic incident is a reminder of the danger our military faces as they protect some of the world's most endangered species from those who seek to profit from the criminal slaughter of wildlife."

Kensington Palace said the Duke of Cambridge was writing to Gdsm Talbot's family to offer his condolences.

Gdsm Talbot, who was from the West Midlands, was serving in his first operational deployment, the Ministry of Defence said.

The patrol of armed British army soldiers and African Park Rangers was walking through tall grass - up to 7ft (2.1m) high - when they disturbed an unseen herd of elephants.

One of them charged at Gdsm Talbot. He died soon after from his injuries. No-one else on the patrol was hurt.

He leaves behind his father Steven, his mother Michelle, his sisters Aimee and Isabel, and his girlfriend, Olivia.

In a statement, the MoD said Gdsm Talbot "was not unfamiliar" with Africa and had volunteered to support counter-poaching in Malawi.

"With his keen interest in military history he was proud to have joined a regiment with such a rich and long lineage," it added.

Operation Corded, the name given to the Army's counter-poaching deployment in Malawi, assists in the training of rangers in a bid to help them crack down on the illegal wildlife trade.

Park rangers are taught skills such as tracking, partnered patrolling, communications, surveillance, and intelligence-sharing - with the first deployment taking place in August 2017.

The former defence secretary, Gavin Williamson, announced the expansion of the UK's counter-poaching training at two parks in Malawi - doubling the number of rangers mentored by soldiers to 120 - in 2018.

Gdsm Talbot's company commander, Maj Richard Wright, said that while he had only known the soldier for a short time, "he never failed to make me smile".

Lt Col Launders added: "Mathew was loved by his brothers in arms in the Coldstream Guards. We will sorely miss his humour, selflessness and unbeatable spirit."

Shadow defence secretary Nia Griffith described the death as "tragic news".

She added: "It underlines the dedication and selflessness of our armed forces personnel serving across the world.

"My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

Elephant poaching is a huge problem across Africa - some estimates say 30,000 are killed every year - and there are probably only around 450,000 left.

In many places it has become literally a war against poachers - that's why rangers are trained by British troops.

But there are different views over how to stop the illegal ivory trade.

International campaigns - backed by countries like Kenya - want a complete end to all ivory trade to prevent criminals exploiting permit loopholes.

But some southern African countries which account for the majority of Africa's elephants, believe limited and well-regulated trade in ivory can raise money to pay for conservation.

Botswana, which has been hosting an elephant summit over the past few days, has perhaps 130,000 of the animals - more than anywhere else - and has problems with human and elephant conflict.

The peculiar gift of elephant-foot stools to visiting leaders was a strong message in support of trade.

Under the management of a new president, it looks likely to re-introduce hunting -which is popular with rural voters - in an election year.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-48190628

2019-05-08 01:33:19Z
CBMiJGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy91ay00ODE5MDYyONIBKGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy9hbXAvdWstNDgxOTA2Mjg

British soldier dies in Malawi during anti-poaching operation - BBC News

A British soldier has been killed by an elephant during a counter-poaching operation in Malawi.

Mathew Talbot, 22, of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, was on patrol in Liwonde National Park on 5 May when he was charged by the animal.

His commanding officer, Lt Col Ed Launders, described Guardsman Talbot as "determined and big-hearted".

Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said he served with "great courage and professionalism".

She added: "This tragic incident is a reminder of the danger our military faces as they protect some of the world's most endangered species from those who seek to profit from the criminal slaughter of wildlife."

Kensington Palace said the Duke of Cambridge was writing to Gdsm Talbot's family to offer his condolences.

Gdsm Talbot, who was from the West Midlands, was serving in his first operational deployment, the Ministry of Defence said.

The patrol of armed British army soldiers and African Park Rangers was walking through tall grass - up to 7ft (2.1m) high - when they disturbed an unseen herd of elephants.

One of them charged at Gdsm Talbot. He died soon after from his injuries. No-one else on the patrol was hurt.

He leaves behind his father Steven, his mother Michelle, his sisters Aimee and Isabel, and his girlfriend, Olivia.

In a statement, the MoD said Gdsm Talbot "was not unfamiliar" with Africa and had volunteered to support counter-poaching in Malawi.

"With his keen interest in military history he was proud to have joined a regiment with such a rich and long lineage," it added.

Operation Corded, the name given to the Army's counter-poaching deployment in Malawi, assists in the training of rangers in a bid to help them crack down on the illegal wildlife trade.

Park rangers are taught skills such as tracking, partnered patrolling, communications, surveillance, and intelligence-sharing - with the first deployment taking place in August 2017.

The former defence secretary, Gavin Williamson, announced the expansion of the UK's counter-poaching training at two parks in Malawi - doubling the number of rangers mentored by soldiers to 120 - in 2018.

Gdsm Talbot's company commander, Maj Richard Wright, said that while he had only known the soldier for a short time, "he never failed to make me smile".

Lt Col Launders added: "Mathew was loved by his brothers in arms in the Coldstream Guards. We will sorely miss his humour, selflessness and unbeatable spirit."

Shadow defence secretary Nia Griffith described the death as "tragic news".

She added: "It underlines the dedication and selflessness of our armed forces personnel serving across the world.

"My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

Elephant poaching is a huge problem across Africa - some estimates say 30,000 are killed every year - and there are probably only around 450,000 left.

In many places it has become literally a war against poachers - that's why rangers are trained by British troops.

But there are different views over how to stop the illegal ivory trade.

International campaigns - backed by countries like Kenya - want a complete end to all ivory trade to prevent criminals exploiting permit loopholes.

But some southern African countries which account for the majority of Africa's elephants, believe limited and well-regulated trade in ivory can raise money to pay for conservation.

Botswana, which has been hosting an elephant summit over the past few days, has perhaps 130,000 of the animals - more than anywhere else - and has problems with human and elephant conflict.

The peculiar gift of elephant-foot stools to visiting leaders was a strong message in support of trade.

Under the management of a new president, it looks likely to re-introduce hunting -which is popular with rural voters - in an election year.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-48190628

2019-05-08 01:27:22Z
CBMiJGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy91ay00ODE5MDYyONIBKGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiYy5jb20vbmV3cy9hbXAvdWstNDgxOTA2Mjg

British soldier dies in Malawi during anti-poaching operation - BBC News

A British soldier has been killed by an elephant during a counter-poaching operation in Malawi.

Mathew Talbot, 22, of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, was on patrol in Liwonde National Park on 5 May when he was charged by the animal.

His commanding officer, Lt Col Ed Launders, described Guardsman Talbot as "determined and big-hearted".

Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said he served with "great courage and professionalism".

She added: "This tragic incident is a reminder of the danger our military faces as they protect some of the world's most endangered species from those who seek to profit from the criminal slaughter of wildlife."

Kensington Palace said the Duke of Cambridge was writing to Gdsm Talbot's family to offer his condolences.

Gdsm Talbot, who was from the West Midlands, was serving in his first operational deployment, the Ministry of Defence said.

The patrol of armed British army soldiers and African Park Rangers was walking through tall grass - up to 7ft (2.1m) high - when they disturbed an unseen herd of elephants.

One of them charged at Gdsm Talbot. He died soon after from his injuries. No-one else on the patrol was hurt.

He leaves behind his father Steven, his mother Michelle, his sisters Aimee and Isabel, and his girlfriend, Olivia.

In a statement, the MoD said Gdsm Talbot "was not unfamiliar" with Africa and had volunteered to support counter-poaching in Malawi.

"With his keen interest in military history he was proud to have joined a regiment with such a rich and long lineage," it added.

Operation Corded, the name given to the Army's counter-poaching deployment in Malawi, assists in the training of rangers in a bid to help them crack down on the illegal wildlife trade.

Park rangers are taught skills such as tracking, partnered patrolling, communications, surveillance, and intelligence-sharing - with the first deployment taking place in August 2017.

The former defence secretary, Gavin Williamson, announced the expansion of the UK's counter-poaching training at two parks in Malawi - doubling the number of rangers mentored by soldiers to 120 - in 2018.

Gdsm Talbot's company commander, Maj Richard Wright, said that while he had only known the soldier for a short time, "he never failed to make me smile".

Lt Col Launders added: "Mathew was loved by his brothers in arms in the Coldstream Guards. We will sorely miss his humour, selflessness and unbeatable spirit."

Shadow defence secretary Nia Griffith described the death as "tragic news".

She added: "It underlines the dedication and selflessness of our armed forces personnel serving across the world.

"My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

Elephant poaching is a huge problem across Africa - some estimates say 30,000 are killed every year - and there are probably only around 450,000 left.

In many places it has become literally a war against poachers - that's why rangers are trained by British troops.

But there are different views over how to stop the illegal ivory trade.

International campaigns - backed by countries like Kenya - want a complete end to all ivory trade to prevent criminals exploiting permit loopholes.

But some southern African countries which account for the majority of Africa's elephants, believe limited and well-regulated trade in ivory can raise money to pay for conservation.

Botswana, which has been hosting an elephant summit over the past few days, has perhaps 130,000 of the animals - more than anywhere else - and has problems with human and elephant conflict.

The peculiar gift of elephant-foot stools to visiting leaders was a strong message in support of trade.

Under the management of a new president, it looks likely to re-introduce hunting -which is popular with rural voters - in an election year.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-48190628

2019-05-08 01:06:34Z
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Brexit: UK 'has to fight European elections', says David Lidington - BBC News

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The UK will have to fight European elections, despite hopes from the government a Brexit deal would be done by then, says the PM's de facto deputy.

The vote is due on 23 May, but Theresa May said the UK would not have to take part if MPs agreed a Brexit plan first.

Now, David Lidington says "regrettably" it is "not going to be possible to finish that process" before the date the UK legally has to take part.

He said the government would try to make the delay "as short as possible".

The UK was due to leave the EU on 29 March, but as no deal was agreed by Parliament, the EU extended the deadline to 31 October.

It can leave the bloc earlier, but if the UK has not left by 23 May, it is legally obliged to take part in the EU-wide poll and to send MEPs to Brussels.

'Crunch time'

Mrs May's spokesman said she "deeply regrets" that the UK did not leave as planned in March and recognised many people felt "great frustration" that the European elections were going ahead.

But she hoped Parliament would agree a Brexit plan before MEPs start their session in July.

The deadline to register for the EU elections is Tuesday 7 May.

The government has resumed talks with Labour to try to break the deadlock in Parliament over the terms of withdrawing from the EU. It has promised that if no compromise is reached, it will offer indicative votes on possible next steps to Parliament.

Arriving at the talks, Labour's shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said it was "crunch time, where the government has got to decide whether it is serious about significant changes capable of actually delivering a majority in the House of Commons".

A number of other parties have already announced their candidates and launched their European election campaigns, but the Conservatives have yet to do the same.

Cabinet Office Minister Mr Lidington said: "We very much hoped that we would be able to get our exit sorted… so that those elections did not have to take place, but legally they do have to take place unless our withdrawal has been given legal effect."

Mr Lidington said the government would be "redoubling efforts" in its talks with other parties to find a way forward to "make sure that the delay after [the elections] is as short as possible".

He added: "We would like to be in a situation… certainly to get this done and dusted by the summer recess."

Government sources say if the Brexit process is completed before 30 June, UK MEPs will not take up their seats at all. If it is done and dusted after that date but before Parliament begins its summer recess in July, MEPs will only need to sit for a month, until 1 August.

Sources estimate that the cost of holding the European elections will be roughly £150m.

Analysis: By Chris Morris, BBC Reality Check

Even if an unexpected deal were to emerge in the next few days between the Conservatives and Labour, it would only be a very tentative first step towards Brexit, with no guarantee that it would enjoy a parliamentary majority.

And a first step isn't enough.

The conclusions of last month's EU summit, agreed by all EU leaders including Theresa May, said that if the Brexit withdrawal agreement has not been ratified in parliament by 22 May, the European elections will have to take place in the UK.

The ratification process means Parliament would have to pass a meaningful vote on the withdrawal agreement (the deal negotiated between the government and the EU), and then turn it into UK law in the form of a Withdrawal Agreement Bill.

And, as Mr Lidington has now conceded formally, time to do all of that has run out.

Read more from Chris.

Some Brexiteers are angry at Mrs May's efforts to find a compromise with Labour after her deal with the EU was effectively rejected by MPs three times.

One leading Eurosceptic, Sir Bill Cash, told the Press Association "the time has come" for the PM to resign and she "needs to be given a date".

But Chancellor Philip Hammond defended the cross-party talks, suggesting the government had no other option.

Sir Keir said Labour would be "pressing [the government] hard" for a solution on Tuesday, and a "confirmatory ballot" - or further referendum - on a deal would "always be on the agenda".

Earlier, shadow chancellor John McDonnell said the talks would go on "for the rest of this week, and then we'll see where we're at".

The BBC's political editor Laura Kuenssberg says No 10 is trying to get Labour over the line by presenting the withdrawal agreement as a stepping stone - i.e. hold your nose for now and you can carve out your own deal if you win the next election.

Key to that, she says, is the promise of a "temporary customs union", but Labour sources are warning that would not be enough.

Labour has previously said it wants a permanent customs union - an arrangement not to carry out checks or put tariffs (extra payments) on goods that move around between the UK and the EU after Brexit.

Who is standing in the European elections?

The election in May will see 751 MEPs sent to the European Parliament to make laws and approve budgets for the EU.

Each country is allocated a set number of seats, depending on the size of its population.

The smallest member, Malta (population: around half a million) has six MEPs, while the largest, Germany (population: 82 million) has 96.

The UK is divided into 12 regions, each represented by between three and 10 MEPs depending on population size, ending with a total of 73.

Seats in England, Scotland and Wales are awarded to parties according to their share of the vote, then to the candidates on the lists drawn up by the parties.

Northern Ireland elects MEPs using a single transferable vote system, with voters able to rank candidates in order of preference.

Once the UK has left the EU, its seats will be divided up between the other 27 member states.

• 2019 European elections: List of candidates

What are your questions about Brexit?

Use this form to ask your question:

If you are reading this page on the BBC News app, you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question on this topic.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48188951

2019-05-07 15:42:47Z
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British soldier dies in Malawi during anti-poaching operation - BBC News

A British soldier has died in Malawi during counter-poaching operations, the Ministry of Defence has said.

Mathew Talbot, 22, of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, was on a patrol on 5 May when he was killed by an elephant.

His commanding officer, Lt Col Ed Launders, described Guardsman Talbot as "determined and big-hearted".

Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said he served with "great courage and professionalism" and was carrying out "vital" counter-poaching work.

She added: "This tragic incident is a reminder of the danger our military faces as they protect some of the world's most endangered species from those who seek to profit from the criminal slaughter of wildlife."

Gdsm Talbot, who was from the West Midlands, was serving in his first operational deployment, the MoD said.

He was killed in Liwonde National Park, in the south of Malawi.

He leaves behind his father Steven, his mother Michelle, his sisters Aimee and Isabel, and his girlfriend, Olivia.

In a statement, the MoD said Gdsm Talbot "was not unfamiliar" with Africa and had volunteered to support counter-poaching in Malawi.

"With his keen interest in military history he was proud to have joined a regiment with such a rich and long lineage," it added.

British troops have been deployed in Africa to boost the fight against wildlife poaching.

Their role is to train rangers in tracking, infantry, bushcraft and information analysis skills.

The former defence secretary, Gavin Williamson, announced the expansion of the UK's counter-poaching training at two parks in Malawi - doubling the number of rangers mentored by soldiers to 120 - in 2018.

Gdsm Talbot's company commander, Maj Richard Wright, said that while he had only known the soldier for a short time, "he never failed to make me smile".

Lt Col Launders added: "Mathew was loved by his brothers in arms in the Coldstream Guards. We will sorely miss his humour, selflessness and unbeatable spirit."

Shadow defence secretary Nia Griffith described the death as "tragic news".

She added: "It underlines the dedication and selflessness of our armed forces personnel serving across the world.

"My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

A British soldier on fighting poachers in Malawi

The appearance of two British Army 4x4s in Malawi's Majete Wildlife Reserve turns heads as they leave the villages and make their way into the bush.

L/Cpl Chad Spalding is one of the British soldiers on board, trying to help stop poaching.

He is about to spend the next few days with local rangers Boston Phiri, who is pretty new to the job, and Retief Chomali, who has 10 years' experience.

"Most of the time you're concentrating on the environment itself," he says. "You're constantly looking, watching dangerous game, anything that might sneak up on you."

Read more about Chad's experience here.

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2019-05-07 13:37:14Z
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