CONSERVATIVE
New Forest East

BUSINESS QUESTION – PROTECTING UK TROOPS FROM LITIGATION OVER INCIDENTS IN PAST CONFLICTS - 13 October 2016

BUSINESS QUESTION – PROTECTING UK TROOPS FROM LITIGATION OVER INCIDENTS IN PAST CONFLICTS - 13 October 2016

Dr Julian Lewis: The Government have done extremely well in making their announcement about the disapplication of aspects of the European convention on human rights from the ​battlefield in future conflicts. This has been welcomed by hon. Members on both sides of the House, not least by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Plymouth, Moor View (Johnny Mercer) who, with fellow members of the Defence Sub-Committee and other hon. Members, has focused attention on this important issue in a tremendous campaign. When will the Government make further announcements, not about protecting people in future conflicts, but about protecting people who currently face pursuit in the courts over past and present conflicts?

[The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr David Lidington): Following the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Defence Secretary a few days ago, the Government, led by the Ministry of Defence, are actively looking at the measures that we would need to take to give effect to this policy. Legislative change might be required, in which case we shall have to prepare such legislation and bring it forward as early as we can, when there is an appropriate legislative opportunity.]