MOD proposes review into how it handled allegations against SAS

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has proposed an independent review into how the Ministry of Defence (MOD) handled allegations that the SAS executed unarmed civilians in Afghanistan. 

The announcement comes after an investigative programme by BBC Panorama reportedly uncovered 54 suspicious killings carried out by one British SAS unit on a six-month tour of the country in 2010 to 2011.

An MOD spokesperson said the review would be "into issues arising from the handling of allegations of misconduct that are the subject of these proceedings" and would be led by a senior judge.

"The review will consider what lessons can be learned and make any recommendations for the future," the MOD statement added.

Extensive and independent investigations into the conduct of British Armed Forces in Afghanistan have been carried out by the Service Police.

Earlier this month, the Royal Military Police (RMP) wrote to Panorama, requesting any materials claimed to be evidence of alleged crimes committed by British forces in Afghanistan.

The Panorama episode alleged that SAS soldiers killed detainees and unarmed men in suspicious circumstances during counter-insurgency operations.

It also claimed that senior officers did not report the alleged killings and did not disclose information to the military police.

"These are historic allegations which relate to two long-running judicial reviews. The proposed review has been in discussion for a number of months, far before Panorama aired," a defence source said.

The MOD previously released a strong statement saying Armed Forces personnel have been put "at risk both in the field and reputationally" by the BBC Panorama's episode about SAS operations in Afghanistan and criticising "unjustified conclusions" in the hour-long documentary.