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Mark Nicol, author of Blades and the Daily Mail’s Defence and Diplomacy Editor, joins Hugh for a hard-hitting conversation on Britain’s special forces. Drawing on around 25 years reporting on UK military operations, conflict and foreign affairs, Mark examines the people, culture and institutions behind the country’s most secretive military work. The discussion covers the Afghan inquiry, allegations of extrajudicial killings by SAS squadrons between 2010 and 2013, Operation Northmoor, rules of engagement, “courageous restraint”, and whether accountability has tipped into a culture of legal fear and scapegoating. Mark also reflects on post-9/11 Britain, Iraq, Helmand, the Taliban’s treatment of civilians, and the wider question of who carries responsibility when special forces operations go wrong. His work is not about exonerating anyone — it is about recognising that responsibility is wider than the individuals sent to fight.

https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/blades

Credits: Guest: Mark Nicol (@marknicoljournoauthor on Instagram, @marknicolDM on X) | Host: @HughKeir | Edited by: @d_fell_ | Recorded at: @barearmsfilm