20,000 troops put on standby

ABOUT 20,000 military personnel have been put on standby as the Government sets up its “Covid Support Force”.

The Ministry of Defence has put plans in place to deploy the Army across the UK after the nationwide death toll from coronavirus reached 144.

As many as 150 troops are learning how to drive oxygen tankers to hospitals.

It is understood Scots regiments are among those being deployed, with extra troop movements reported across the country and a visible Army presence in key locations.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “The men and women of our Armed Forces stand ready to protect Britain and her citizens from all threats, including Covid-19.

“The unique flexibility and dedication of the services means we are able to provide assistance across the whole of society in this time of need.”

Major General Charlie Stickland, assistance chief of the defence staff operations and commitments, said: “Putting

BY DANIEL MORROW more personnel at a higher state of readiness and having our reserves on standby gives us greater flexibility to support public services as and when they require our assistance.

“The Covid Support Force – potentially drawing upon our highly skilled scientists at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory or oxygen tanker drivers – will form part of an effort to support the country.

“Our servicemen and women are committed to maintain our operational output and delivering any support the Government requires.”

The UK Government set out emergency legislation on Tuesday to tackle the growing outbreak, with measures including giving powers to police and immigration officers to detain people and put them in isolation to protect public health.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “The new measures we will be introducing in the Emergency Coronavirus Bill this week will only be used when it is absolutely necessary and must be timed to maximise their

effectiveness.”