Gedling MP Tom Randall has welcomed new legislation to protect military personnel and veterans from prosecution for alleged historical offences in conflicts overseas.
At Defence Questions last week, Tom Randall MP raised the concerns from veterans in his constituency with Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer MP.
Mr Randall said: “A veteran with an exemplary record from his two tours in Afghanistan recently confided in me his concerns—and, more worryingly, those of soldiers he served with who come from towns in my constituency such as Arnold and Carlton—about being prosecuted as a result of vexatious claims in the future. Does my honourable friend agree that it is our duty to ensure that we end the unfair trials of people who have served their country?”
In reply, the Minister for Defence People and Veterans Johnny Mercer MP said: “My honourable friend is absolutely right. This has been one of my driving missions since I entered Parliament. I am delighted to be part of the first Government to have really taken on a very difficult issue, carefully walking down the path of making sure that we can always prosecute those who break the law—uniform is no hiding place for those who do—but that the days of lawyers rewriting history in order to line their own pockets and run amok in lawfare come to an end.”
Commenting after Defence questions, Mr Randall said: “I know that the issue of vexatious claims worries many. I have raised this issue for the second time in the House of Commons after listening to the concerns of a veteran who had served in the Mercian Regiment. Having heard his reply, I am re-assured by the minister’s commitment to stand by those who have served our country.”
