MSPs back ‘Walter Mitty’ law to clamp down on medal cons

Call for fraudsters who pose as war heroes to be criminalised

MSPs have thrown their weight behind a “Walter Mitty” law to clamp down on shysters who pose as war heroes.

Liam Kerr, the North East MSP, has assumed the mantle held by the late Angus politician Alex Johnstone, who campaigned to outlaw the fraudulent display of military honours.

Scottish Conservative Mr Kerr called on parties from across the divide to support the private member’s bill being tabled by Gareth Johnson MP in Westminster.

“There is nothing we as a country should value more, no people we should honour more, than those men and women who volunteer to defend our nation and our way of life,” said Mr Kerr.

“We know there are instances in Scotland where people have lied about their military service.

“It beggars belief that anyone would stoop so low as to try and deceive people into thinking they are a war hero.”

Mr Kerr said he was proud to take up the cause championed by Mr Johnstone, the Conservative MSP who passed away aged 55 at the end of last year after a short battle with cancer.

“I think it would be a fitting tribute if MSPs from all sides of the political divide could give their support to this motion and to the Awards for Valour (Protection) Bill,” Mr Kerr added.

The bill proposes creating an offence to wear certain military medals or insignia “without entitlement”.

Exemptions would apply for films or theatrical performances, as well as those wearing them in honour of a family member.

Colin Beattie, the SNP MSP, warned the bill appears to assume that those who do not fall into the exemptions are “automatically acting in a nefarious manner”.

But he added: “I welcome the progression of the Awards for Valour (Protection) Bill and look forward to seeing the positive effect that it will have on members of our armed forces and their close families.”

Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald also backed Mr Kerr but added: “We should be careful not to punish those who inadvertently cross a line.”

Liam Kerr, top, is taking up the cause championed by the late Angus politician Alex Johnstone.