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UK and Turkey sign mammoth defence deal

UK and Turkey sign mammoth defence deal
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By Catherine Hardy with REUTERS
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Announced by May and Turkish Prime Minister Binaldi Yilidirim, it involves BAE systems and Turkish Aerospace Industries working together to develop the TF-X Turkish fighter programme.

The UK and Turkey have signed a defence deal worth more than 117 million euros.

In Ankara to strengthen ties with Turkey as she navigates the UK’s departure from the EU, May welcomed the deal.

Announced by May and Turkish Prime Minister Binaldi Yilidirim, it involves BAE systems and TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries) working together to develop the TF-X Turkish fighter programme.

Refugee policy

When asked about US President Donald Trump’s ban on people from certain countries seeking refuge in the US, May said Washington was responsible for its own policy on refugees.

“Well, the United States is responsible for the United States’ policy on refugees. The United Kingdom is responsible for the United Kingdom’s policy on refugees, and our policy on refugees is to have a number of voluntary schemes to bring Syrian refugees into the country, particularly those who are most vulnerable, but also to provide significant financial contributions to support refugees in countries surrounding Syria,” May told reporters.

Trump’s executive order has prompted fury from Arab travellers in the Middle East and North Africa.

There has also been widespread criticism from western allies of the US, including France and Germany, as well as Arab American groups and human rights organisations.

Yildirim said Trump’s sweeping ban on people seeking refuge in the US is no solution.

“There are 55 million refugees in the world…this problem cannot be ignored and it cannot be solved by building walls,” he said.

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