Menu
01/12/2005
Military justice system to be overhauled
The government has announced plans to overhaul the military criminal justice system, with the publication of a new Armed Forces Bill.
Under the new proposals, a single military discipline system will be created, which will cover the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force.
The new measures also include plans to introduce a universal right to elect trial by court martial; the introduction of a single court martial system and a tri-service prosecuting authority; and modernisation of a list of offences unique to service law and the system of service internal inquiries.
Commanding Officers would also have to ensure that matters were “appropriately investigated” and that serious matters were reported to the service police or the independent Director of Service Prosecutions.
The grievance procedure for members of the armed forces would also be streamlined under the plans.
Under Secretary of State for Defence, Don Touhig, stressed that the proposals had not been drawn up in reaction to trials arising from operations in Iraq, which he said had "been reported so extensively in the media in recent months".
Trooper Kevin Williams was cleared of murder in a civilian court, after shooting dead a man while on patrol in Iraq. The case was dismissed by Trooper Williams' commanding officer, meaning that a court martial could not be held, but the decision was overturned by the Attorney General, leading to an investigation by Scotland Yard.
Mr Touhig said: “The current military justice system is effective, but it needs to be brought up to date. We need a separate system of law for the Armed Forces. Of that there is no doubt.
"The Bill will provide a single modern system of service law for the first time, harmonising the many different aspects in each of the services. In doing so, it will help enhance operational effectiveness. It will make life easier for those in joint units. And, importantly, it will ensure that service personnel involved in the same military operation are subject to the same system of discipline.
"Discipline is essential, and we depend on service law to enforce it. A fighting force that cannot obey orders and display self-control in peacetime will not stand up to the much more demanding circumstances of operations."
(KMcA/SP)
Under the new proposals, a single military discipline system will be created, which will cover the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force.
The new measures also include plans to introduce a universal right to elect trial by court martial; the introduction of a single court martial system and a tri-service prosecuting authority; and modernisation of a list of offences unique to service law and the system of service internal inquiries.
Commanding Officers would also have to ensure that matters were “appropriately investigated” and that serious matters were reported to the service police or the independent Director of Service Prosecutions.
The grievance procedure for members of the armed forces would also be streamlined under the plans.
Under Secretary of State for Defence, Don Touhig, stressed that the proposals had not been drawn up in reaction to trials arising from operations in Iraq, which he said had "been reported so extensively in the media in recent months".
Trooper Kevin Williams was cleared of murder in a civilian court, after shooting dead a man while on patrol in Iraq. The case was dismissed by Trooper Williams' commanding officer, meaning that a court martial could not be held, but the decision was overturned by the Attorney General, leading to an investigation by Scotland Yard.
Mr Touhig said: “The current military justice system is effective, but it needs to be brought up to date. We need a separate system of law for the Armed Forces. Of that there is no doubt.
"The Bill will provide a single modern system of service law for the first time, harmonising the many different aspects in each of the services. In doing so, it will help enhance operational effectiveness. It will make life easier for those in joint units. And, importantly, it will ensure that service personnel involved in the same military operation are subject to the same system of discipline.
"Discipline is essential, and we depend on service law to enforce it. A fighting force that cannot obey orders and display self-control in peacetime will not stand up to the much more demanding circumstances of operations."
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 June 2013
Consultations Can Legally 'Opt Out' Of NHS Ratings System
Consultant surgeon will be able to opt out of the NHS rating system, throwing the value of the system into doubt. The Guardian have reported that NHS England has conceded that under the Data Protection Act, consultant will be legally allowed to not submit performance data.
Consultations Can Legally 'Opt Out' Of NHS Ratings System
Consultant surgeon will be able to opt out of the NHS rating system, throwing the value of the system into doubt. The Guardian have reported that NHS England has conceded that under the Data Protection Act, consultant will be legally allowed to not submit performance data.
29 January 2015
New Colour-Coded Schools Rating System Revealed For Wales
A new colour-coded rating system for Welsh schools has been revealed by Education Minister Huw Lewis. Under the new system 236 schools in Wales have been rated 'green', meaning they have performed the best, while 81 schools have been rated 'red'.
New Colour-Coded Schools Rating System Revealed For Wales
A new colour-coded rating system for Welsh schools has been revealed by Education Minister Huw Lewis. Under the new system 236 schools in Wales have been rated 'green', meaning they have performed the best, while 81 schools have been rated 'red'.
06 September 2011
Clarke To Make 'Radical Changes' After Riots
The Secretary of State has announced a number of "radical changes" to the justice system in response to the London riots that took place in August. Outlining the changes in an editorial in Tuesday's Guardian, Ken Clarke said the riots had "shocked me to the core", adding that the hardcore of rioters came from a "feral underclass".
Clarke To Make 'Radical Changes' After Riots
The Secretary of State has announced a number of "radical changes" to the justice system in response to the London riots that took place in August. Outlining the changes in an editorial in Tuesday's Guardian, Ken Clarke said the riots had "shocked me to the core", adding that the hardcore of rioters came from a "feral underclass".
27 July 2004
Benn warns WTO over 'bias' against poorer countries
Continued bias against poorer countries in the international trading system represents a possible threat to peace and security for us all, the Secretary of State for International Development has warned negotiators at the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) General Council in Geneva this week.
Benn warns WTO over 'bias' against poorer countries
Continued bias against poorer countries in the international trading system represents a possible threat to peace and security for us all, the Secretary of State for International Development has warned negotiators at the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) General Council in Geneva this week.
06 September 2011
Clarke Backs Televised Court Proceedings
The Secretary of State has aired his support for televised court proceedings, saying there was "no good reason" why not. Speaking on Monday, Ken Clarke said televising judges' comments would be a good idea, which would help to demystify the process and give the public confidence in the justice system.
Clarke Backs Televised Court Proceedings
The Secretary of State has aired his support for televised court proceedings, saying there was "no good reason" why not. Speaking on Monday, Ken Clarke said televising judges' comments would be a good idea, which would help to demystify the process and give the public confidence in the justice system.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
