Mel Stride MP cast his vote in favour of the Overseas Operations Bill today at its second reading in the House of Commons. The Bill aims to provide greater legal protections to armed forces personnel and veterans serving on military operations overseas against alleged offences and to provide a better legal framework for any future overseas conflicts, recognising the unique burden and pressures placed on our personnel.
Fellow Devon MP and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer was tasked with drafting the legislation. Mr Mercer served as a Captain in the British Army and did three tours of Afghanistan.
Mel said:
“Our armed forces are not above the law. They should be held to very high standards and credible allegations of criminality should be investigated thoroughly. However, we have seen too many serving personnel and veterans hounded over alleged historic offences, with nearly three-quarters of the 3,400 cases reported to the Iraq Historic Allegations Team for example eventually either dismissed as false or unworthy of investigation. When someone commits to a career in the armed forces they are putting their life on the line and we owe them stronger legal protections, particularly when operating in difficult and dangerous circumstances.”
The Bill will now go to committee before it returns to the Commons.