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Overseas Operations

13 October 2020

Proposing MP
Ben Wallace Con
Wyre and Preston North
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Ministry of Defence
View on Parliament.uk -->

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement addresses the Overseas Operations Bill, which aims to protect service personnel from delayed investigations while ensuring timely consideration of serious allegations.

Action Requested

The Minister is commissioning a judge-led review to ensure that complex and serious allegations against UK forces have an up-to-date framework for investigation and prosecution. The review will not reconsider past decisions or historical cases but will focus on recommendations for necessary improvements in investigative processes and cultural issues within the Armed Forces.

Key Facts

  • Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill is before this House.
  • A judge-led review will be conducted focusing on complex and serious allegations of wrongdoing against UK forces overseas.
  • The review aims to have future-proof frameworks, skills, and processes in place for investigations and prosecutions.
  • The review will consider the Service Police and Service Prosecuting Authority processes.
  • The review will not reconsider past investigative or prosecutorial decisions or historical cases.
  • The Service Justice System Review by HH Shaun Lyons and Sir Jon Murphy's recommendations will be built upon.
  • The review is expected to report within nine months.
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