Call For 'Absolute Clarity' Over Proposed Historic Prosecutions Legislation

The Chair of the Defence Committee has written to the Defence Secretary calling for "absolute clarity" over proposed legislation to protect serving personnel and veterans from historic prosecutions.

Ministers laid out a plan for a bill in March, which would include a presumption against prosecution for actions on overseas operations, after a five-year period.

Tobias Ellwood, Chair of the Defence Select Committee, questioned if the factors outlined in the bill are comprehensive enough to stop a prosecution.

He also called for clarity on the likelihood of prosecutions and appeals against any decision not to prosecute.

"The Defence Committee welcomes this legislation but remains concerned that continued ambiguity leaves service personnel vulnerable," said Mr Ellwood.

"Our Armed Forces deserve absolute clarity when it comes to legislation and must feel supported by military organisations themselves when navigating the legal system."

In March, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said the proposed legislation would "end vexatious claims" against Armed Forces personnel.

The bill, called the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill, is designed to introduce a time limit on prosecution for alleged human rights offences committed overseas by military personnel.

Ministers said at the time that separate plans are being drawn up to cover personnel who served in Northern Ireland.

Mr Ellwood said: "If an individual commits crimes, in our name and in uniform, there must be a thorough, proportionate investigation.

"However, no service personnel should be stuck in a constant state of limbo, subject to relentless and repeated investigations."

Mr Ellwood, a former officer in the Royal Green Jackets, also called on the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to "accelerate work on its proposals for Northern Ireland".

"Those who face allegations of wrongdoing there are left in a state of uncertainty," he said.