I will stop law firms hounding Armed Forces, pledges May
THERESA MAY last night promised to crack down on “no win, no fee” lawyers who seek to “impugn the name of our Armed Forces”.
The Prime Minister said she would shortly announce measures to stop law firms making “vexatious” legal claims against British troops accused of wrongdoing in foreign conflicts.
Ministers want to end the financial incentive that has led to thousands of claims against soldiers who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The disclosure follows concerns raised in The Daily Telegraph about the hounding of servicemen over allegations that date back as far as 2003.
Mrs May spoke out during a visit with the Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon, to 1st Bn The Mercian Regiment at Bulford Camp, Wilts.
She said: “We have taken action and we are looking at the whole issue of the ‘no win, no fee’ firms who are trying to create this industry of making claims against our Armed Forces.
“We need to ensure that when the men and women of our Armed Forces go out there on our behalf, willing to sacrifice themselves for our safety and for our defence, that they have our full confidence and backing in doing that, and that’s what we will give them.”
It is understood that any new measures will apply only to future conflicts.
Two law firms have received millions of pounds in bringing claims against the Ministry of Defence for events in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Lawyers are able to bring “no win, no fee” claims that allow them to bill extra costs in the event they win damages for clients.
Firms take a risk in bringing the claims – for which they receive no guaranteed fee – but make far more back if the claims are successful.
The MoD has paid £20 million in compensation to settle more than 300 claims brought by Iraqis against the Armed Forces.