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Corbyn Backs Abuse Investigation Into British Troops
Jeremy Corbyn says British troops should face investigation for alleged abuses in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Labour leader said the UK had signed up to international law and it would be “a step too far” to say the soldiers should not face prosecution for their actions.
He told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show: "I have spoken to a number of soldiers who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. I recognise the awful conditions they were asked to serve under and the difficulties they had with that.”
"But I do think there has to be a recognition that we have signed up to international law on the behaviour of troops… So I think there has to be an investigation."
"Saying never to prosecute, I think, would be a step too far."
Mr Corbyn also called for the Armed Forces and Intelligence services to be scaled back.
He said that Britain should no longer have a "huge land-based force" and said MI6 should not be allowed to recruit new spies.
The Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT), which investigates claims of murder and abuse by British soldiers in Iraq, has come under fire for its handling of allegations.
Concerns have been raised about false accusations being made and the length of time taken to address claims.
The Labour leader’s comments come after former Prime Minister Tony Blair said the investigation unit into the abuses should never have been set up, he told the Sunday Telegraph:
"I do not think this process should ever have been put in place. I am very sorry that our soldiers and their families have been put through this ordeal."
"Our armed forces gave extraordinary service in both Iraq and Afghanistan and this type of investigation simply makes their job harder to do."
Former soldiers have said they have been hounded through the courts on unfounded claims and there are growing calls for IHAT to be shut down.
The Prime Minister Theresa May has said "every effort" would be made to stop the legal system being abused in such cases and to protect forces personnel from "vexatious" allegations.
The Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has promised legal support for soldiers affected.
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