Politics

Sir Michael Fallon agreed the joint vision statement – a commitment to strengthen co-operation in areas including hybrid and cyber warfare and counter-terrorism – with Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Minister of Defence for the Netherlands.

The agreement will include a pledge to work more closely across defence and security policy, intelligence and joint exercises. It will also see the exchange of personnel and work towards a UK-Netherlands Amphibious Force.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:

Today, the UK has stepped up its relationship with the Netherlands – one of our closest and most reliable European allies. We have committed to working more closely to tackle common threats, from cyber security to terrorism, and will be united in our drive for the EU and NATO to work better together.

The UK is stepping forward not back from the global stage and will continue to defend our continent before and after Brexit.

The UK and Netherlands have a long history working together through the UN, NATO, Joint Expeditionary Force and, most recently, in the Counter Daesh Global Coalition. The Dutch have also committed a company of Marines to the UK-led NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (Land) this year.

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Minister of Defence for the Netherlands said:

I very much value the strong military ties between the UK and the Netherlands. Clearly, our collective security is at stake, and I am convinced that we can only face today’s and tomorrow’s challenges by joining forces. We need each other more than ever. Military cooperation, either bilateral or within NATO-EU, is crucial in securing and safeguarding peace and stability at home and abroad.

Sir Michael and Dutch Minister of Defence Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert met at Admiralty House after attending the Queen’s Birthday Parade.

A number of Scots have been recognised by Her Majesty the Queen in her Birthday Honours list.

Congratulating them, Scottish Secretary David Mundell said:

In the centenary year of the Order of the British Empire, the Queen’s Birthday honours have recognised the achievements of a diverse and inspiring number of our fellow Scots. I congratulate each and every one of them

Billy Connolly’s knighthood celebrates a truly great Scot, the irrepressible ‘Big Yin’ who has entertained millions, but also his dedicated charity fundraising. He is an ambassador for both humour and humanity, and this recognition is richly deserved. Judy Murray’s OBE rewards her dedication and energy in inspiring future generations to play sport. Lorna Hood’s OBE recognises her exceptional and long service to the Church of Scotland, and promoting tolerance and understanding through the Remembering Srebrenica charity. Charles Skene’s CBE rewards his inspirational work supporting education and enterprise in north-east Scotland. Their awards are thoroughly deserved and I congratulate them all.

My congratulations, too, go to JK Rowling, someone who has made Scotland her home and who supports so many good causes here.

It is also fitting that Her Majesty has also recognised the many ‘unsung heroes’ of Scottish communities. The length and breadth of Scotland, an army of volunteers have shown unstinting dedication and selflessness, week in week out.

Glasgow University’s Professor Muscatelli received a knighthood, and Scottish Enterprise Chairman Robert Keiller a CBE. There are MBEs for Eunice Olumide (one of Scotland’s first black models), Mel Young (founder of the Homeless World Cup), and John Delaney (for services to the Teenage Cancer Trust). BME recipients include Paul James Breen for his work with the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Therapeutic Roof Garden, and Cara O’Donnell for her work with Glasgow-based charity SAMs.

Marking 100 years of the Order of the British Empire, the 2017 Honours List recognises 1,109 people, 74 per cent of who have undertaken outstanding work in their communities either in a voluntary or paid capacity. That includes Helensburgh ‘lollipop lady’ Effie Walker, who received a British Empire Medal.

Jonathan Lyle, Chief Executive of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has been made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB).

Jonathan is recognised in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours List, in recognition of his exemplary contribution to defence science and engineering over the past 41 years.

As Chief Executive, Jonathan has been responsible for reshaping Dstl’s scientific capabilities to embrace and exploit new disruptive technologies. Through his leadership, dedication, drive and commitment, Dstl has achieved a reputation across government for delivering cutting-edge scientific and technology initiatives.

Jonathan said that his honour reflected the amazing work done by colleagues throughout his career:

I have had the privilege to work with so many talented and committed people. I am deeply honoured to have been recognised with the CB and really do feel this is a reflection of a combined team effort across the lab.

Chair of the Dstl Board Sir David Pepper added:

It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with Jonathan; he is an exemplary leader, and epitomises the highest standard of public service. He has done an enormous amount for Dstl, and for the use of science and technology in the defence and security of the UK. This award rightly recognises his contribution, and I am delighted to congratulate him on his achievement.

Prior to taking up his current role in 2012, Jonathan worked in a number of roles including:

• Director of Helicopters at the Defence Equipment & Support
• Director of the College of Management and Technology
• Operations Director at the Defence Procurement Agency
• MOD’s Head of Profession for Science
• Head of the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors

He has also worked in the Cabinet Office and the Department for Trade and Industry where he implemented a cross-government science and technology strategy.

Jonathan is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of both the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

He was educated at Kingswood School, Bath, the Royal Naval Engineering College, Plymouth, and University College London.