Key Facts

• Lieutenant Colonel Chris Parker is the chairman of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment Association.
• The legislation aims to address repeat investigations that have caused pain and misery for individuals and their families over several years.
• There are concerns about a six-year limitation on human rights claims affecting PTSD cases which can emerge up to 28 years after an event.
• The association has approximately 5,000 members who are Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.
• There are a total of around 20,000 veterans including those from World War II.
• Veterans' initial reaction to the Bill was very positive as it addressed perceived injustices.
• Concerns exist about potential mental duress if the Bill is stopped, especially considering current environmental factors like COVID-19 isolation.
• Major Campbell’s case is mentioned as an example of prolonged investigations.
• Some people were affected by the Danny Boy incident in al-Amarah for eight or nine years.
• There are concerns about the International Criminal Court potentially prosecuting individuals if proper investigations do not take place.
• The speaker notes that soldiers generally prefer British justice to non-British legal actions.
• Legal assistance is limited for those being investigated compared to what might be available in civilian life.
• Lieutenant Colonel Parker supports the idea of an independent body for investigation.
• The ombudsman can only look backwards and cannot provide real-time support to individuals facing accusations or poor service treatment.
• Soldiers and families in Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment were heavily distressed during vexatious investigations.
• The Bill would impose a six-year limit on section 33 of the Limitation Act 1980.
• Veterans fear they could face restrictions in bringing civil claims outside these time limits.
• Judge Jeff Blackett, former Judge Advocate General, is providing evidence to the Committee.
• Judge Blackett issued a practice memorandum that was later challenged by the Ministry of Defence.
• The Army Prosecuting Authority followed Judge Blackett's practice memorandum after Danny Boy cases but did not proceed with common assaults.
• IHAT (Iraq Historic Allegations Team) and Northmoor were set up and funded by the British Government.
• Judge Blackett suggests raising the bar for reinvestigation.
• Judge Blackett had eight trials involving overseas operations, with 27 defendants and 10 convictions.
• There were 3,400 allegations in IHAT and 675 in Northmoor, most of which did not lead to prosecutions.
• The International Criminal Court could intervene if the UK is deemed unable or unwilling to prosecute cases.
• Section 127 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act would require legislation for certain changes.
• The process of amending the Armed Forces Act takes a long time and involves consultations with various stakeholders.
• Judge Blackett has been in his position for sixteen years.
• Not a single case out of the 3,400 cases at IHAT has been prosecuted.
• Judge Blackett believes that quicker investigations are needed rather than focusing on prosecution alone.
• Judge Blackett did not support the exclusion of sexual offences from the Bill.
• He is concerned about the six-year time limit on civil claims in part 2 of the Bill.
• The meeting with Minister Johnny Mercer occurred approximately a month ago before Second Reading.
• Clause 3 of the Overseas Operations Bill addresses exceptional demands after five years.
• The statement raises concerns about the service justice system being perceived as protecting individuals from wrongdoing.
• There is a risk that the Bill could lead to more judicial reviews and potential litigation.
• The Attorney General has to consent to prosecuting certain offences under International Criminal Court Act 2001, Geneva Conventions Act 1957, and Armed Forces Act 2006.
• Judge Blackett is concerned that the Bill may undermine the Director Service Prosecutions' authority.
• The definition of overseas operations in the Bill includes activities beyond the battlefield, such as peacekeeping and policing.
• Judge Blackett provided valuable evidence regarding investigations and complementarity issues.
• The Committee has concluded its oral evidence sessions.
• The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 9:25 am.