COBR Meeting 051999

[Jamie]

UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND
Security Classification: TOP SECRET

Re-elected Prime Minister, Andrew Evans, has summoned the cabinet to a COBR Meeting to discuss growing tensions in the Mediterean over Turkey and the concerns over the Suez Canal threats of closure to specific countries.

Prime Minister, Andrew Evans
"Morning everybody. I firstly want to begin by reassuring you all that despite speculation, there are no plans for a reshuffle in the cabinet. The reason we have been re-elected is the hard work we have all put in over the last four years, and it has only brought us together. Despite the positives of our re-election, this meeting is for the more serious of agendas and I think it's time we make our statement on the matter. Based on the information we have, Turkey has shot down a South African plane over the Mediterranean which we cannot confirm who was on board or the purpose. This has sparked an international response that has seen America setting no entry zones in international waters and airspace, but more concerning that Egypt are weaponizing the Suez to punish anyone that has ties with Turkey. Although this won't affect is directly, this is a threat to anyone that dares to have positive relations with anyone that the Egyptian Government thinks otherwise. During this time, we are unsure as to whether Turkey, Israel or others have any plans that could put other aircraft at risk, but all I know is at the moment that all eyes are watching and this leaves our bases in Cyprus, vulnerable. Please find the reports in front of you containing the full briefs."

The Prime Minister stopped speaking as all members of the cabinet reviewed the briefings which detailed facts, speculation and pieces from any available sources to provide as much of a comprehensive report of the situation.

First Secretary, Taylor Heart
"I don't think I'm the only person to be wanting an answer to this particular question but, Secretary of Defence, may I turn your attention to Page 7 which contains a brief transcript between the South African plane, which reports to be carrying civilians, in contact with RAF Akrotiri. Air Traffic Control provide emergency clearance to land at the airbase which is reasonable but there is no mention of an escort or interception by quick reaction alert. Something I feel in this scenario, could have provided us further information or even have prevented the tragic turn of events. Why weren't the RAF scrambled? Surely if there were plans to allow an unknown aircraft to land at our airbase, it would be guarded. Especially due to the reported circumstances."

There was a short awkward silence. All eyes turned to Jason Green.

Secretary of State for Defence, Jason Green
"At the time of the incident, there were no assets from the armed forces present in Cyprus. I have had a number of discussions with senior members of the armed forces and the Prime Minister yesterday over the future of oversea territories that are more isolated such as the Falklands and Cyprus. To act on this, new formations will be created for the Royal Air Force that will see a permanent presence in these territories from the Royal Air Force. Much like the Falklands Defence Force which will be defence assets only. This has been set aside in the budget to be planned and developed over the next couple of years. In the meantime, we will be deploying a flight of Tornado ADV F3s until the situation de-escalates. These will be responsible for air policing and to represent the UKs interests. They will be accompanied by members of the RAF Regiment and an air to air refueler."

Prime Minister, Andrew Evans
"We will also be looking into deploying either a frigate, or Maritime Group 2 as a whole to the region for additional forces but this is still under consideration. We do not want to be seen as escalating the tension, but we do need a presence available at short notice. Intelligence gathering will also be at the forefront of the operation that takes place."

The meeting continued for a further 3 hours as representatives discussed the finer details of an operation and some additional assets that would be utilized. Naturally, this was all done in secret.