Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Armed Forces: Non-combat Incidents and Jurisdictional Constraints

Monday 20 November 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • John McNally asked about discussions with US counterparts on non-combat incidents and jurisdictional constraints affecting armed forces.
  • The Minister responded that Defence Ministers have close relationships with US colleagues and discuss such issues on a case-by-case basis.
  • John McNally mentioned the sixth anniversary of Captain Dean Sprouting's death in a 2018 road traffic accident involving US servicemen.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John McNally SNP
Defence
Context

There are ongoing discussions regarding the impact of non-combat incidents and jurisdictional issues faced by UK armed forces, particularly in relation to interactions with US counterparts.

Question

What discussions has he had with his US counterpart on increasing awareness of (a) non-combat incidents and (b) jurisdictional constraints affecting the armed forces?

Answer from James Heappey

Defence Ministers have close relationships with our US colleagues and discuss such issues on a case-by-case basis.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details of the discussions and actions taken to increase awareness were not provided.

How: Case-By-Case Basis

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Q2 John McNally SNP
Justice & Courts Defence
Context

Captain Dean Sprouting was killed in a road traffic accident on operational duties caused by US servicemen who did not adhere to standard operating procedures or health and safety regulations. The widow, Linda, continues to seek resolution.

Question

I thank the Minister for his answer. It is fast approaching the sixth anniversary of Captain Dean Sprouting being killed in a road traffic accident in 2018 by US servicemen who did not adhere to standard operating procedures or health and safety regulations. Despite efforts, Linda continues to suffer consequences daily due to complicated jurisdictional procedures.

Answer from James Heappey

The hon. Gentleman raises a very complicated case and the widow, to whom I send my condolences, is obviously keen to see the matter resolved. I suggest that the hon. Gentleman and I meet to discuss the issue in appropriate detail.

Not addressed: Details of jurisdictional constraints and procedures were not addressed; instead, a meeting was suggested.

How: Complicated Case, Meet To Discuss

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