Alex Boyd and Ben Hatton reported on recent changes in the leadership of the Royal Navy. Gen Sir Gwyn Jenkins, a senior general and former head of UK Special Forces, has been appointed as the new head of the Royal Navy following the removal of Adm Sir Ben Key from his position as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff due to allegations of misconduct.
Defence Secretary John Healey praised Gen Jenkins as “a proven leader with a distinguished career in both the military and at the core of government.” The appointment comes after a BBC Panorama investigation revealed that Gen Jenkins had overseen the rejection of hundreds of UK resettlement applications from Afghan commandos who had served alongside the SAS, sparking controversy amidst an ongoing judge-led public inquiry into alleged war crimes by the SAS.
Despite the rejection of the resettlement applications, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) denied trying to prevent former Afghan troops from giving evidence to the inquiry. Gen Jenkins did not provide a response to Panorama’s request for comment on the matter. In assuming his new role as head of the Royal Navy, Gen Jenkins expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the sailors and marines of the Royal Navy during a crucial time for UK Defence.
Gen Jenkins, who joined the Royal Marines in 1990 and later served as a commanding officer in the Special Boat Service (SBS), brings a wealth of experience to his new position. He was previously awarded an OBE for his deployment to Afghanistan and has held various roles in the military, including serving as the prime minister’s military assistant and as vice chief of the defence staff. The appointment of Gen Jenkins marks a significant moment for the Royal Navy, as he is the first Royal Marine to hold the position
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