THEY HAD OUR BACKS – WE MUST HAVE THEIRS

IN a few months’ time we will remember the bravery of British forces in the Battle of Arnhem 75 years ago. Just as we did in the DDay remembrance, we treasure those elderly veterans who fought for our nation. There is nothing we wouldn’t do for them.

But what of the veterans of more recent conflicts whether in Afghanistan or Iraq?

They too had our backs. We must have theirs.

So one of my first actions as Defence Secretary was to announce a multi-million pound package to improve mental health support for former personnel.

But if we are to repay the debt we owe these brave men and women we must do more – addressing the spectre of investigations into historic allegations. Veterans and serving personnel alike have been hounded by processes seldom motivated by the pursuit of justice.

We’ve seen the same allegations investigated repeatedly, without a shred of new evidence. Unscrupulous legal firms have racked up legal aid bills for fabricated accusations. And they’ve attempted to pursue cases standing no chance of conviction.

Fixing this intolerable situation is one of my priorities.

So today I launch proposals to provide our valiant veterans with better support and stronger legal safeguards.

Measures proposed in our 12-week consultation would give greater legal protection to current or former personnel facing allegations of offences committed on duty abroad more than ten years ago.

This is not about our Armed Forces evading justice or being

above the law. In exceptional circumstances, such as the emergence of compelling new evidence, it will remain possible to hold those guilty of wrongdoing to account. Sadly, there are a handful of cases where some serving personnel have committed appalling offences.

But this is a handful out of thousands of bogus or poorly evidenced allegations which hound huge numbers of people for just doing their job.

Much more must also be done to recognise the unique pressures on our Armed Forces and, particularly junior personnel, caught in the cauldron of conflict.

Faced with extreme danger they often have to make splitsecond decisions which could lead to a death and prosecution for murder. So we are proposing further protection which could reduce a possible conviction for murder to manslaughter in specific circumstances.

Today’s proposals apply to operations overseas, but our obligations to those who served on Operation Banner in Northern Ireland is exactly the same. So we are working with the Northern Ireland Office’s existing legacy process, and sharing our experiences.

Whatever I achieve as Defence Secretary, I am absolutely determined to get this process started.

Our Armed Forces have already waited too long. For their sake and that of our future, it’s time to get this done.