THE CHORUS OF SUPPORT

‘I share the concern of many for Mrs Blackman and I am clear the MoD must not stand in the way of a fair and just consideration of this case.’ Defence personnel minister

Mark Lancaster ‘Sgt Blackman was, and is, no cold-blooded killer, just a man pushed to the very edge, a man sent to do a filthy job with his hands tied behind his back ... A man who is now no threat at all to anyone ... A man who deserves another hearing.’

Richard Drax MP ‘The courts have overlooked – I pay tribute to the Daily Mail for bringing this to public attention – the extreme pressures that these brave men are under.’

Alec Shelbrooke MP ‘As a former commanding officer, I find it extraordinary that this group of Royal Marines was left in the same position, obviously one of huge danger, for the whole six months. If this incident had not happened, this sergeant ... would definitely be on the list for a Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.’

Colonel Bob Stewart MP ‘This man was tried by a military court. As I understand it, it did not even reach a unanimous verdict. If it had been an ordinary court ... I do not believe this man would have been found guilty. It was not an ordinary court; it was a rigged court.’

Sir Roger Gale MP ‘Given the injustices surrounding the case, I am not surprised the Daily Mail dubbed Sgt Blackman a “political scapegoat” – well done to the Daily Mail for highlighting the case.’

Jim Shannon MP ‘When this man’s will was broken, when his chain of command had let him down ... we allow him to come home and we judge those extraordinary circumstances, the extraordinary danger he faced, in an entirely ordinary way.’

James Heappey MP ‘We have heard much today about new evidence, allegedly suggesting there has been a miscarriage of justice ... I therefore support the call for a review of the case.’

Rebecca Pow MP