Speaking after three Lords amendments to the Overseas Operations Bill were voted down , Liberal Democrats Spokesperson for Defence Jamie Stone MP said: “It is deeply regrettable that the Government have voted down three important improvements to the Overseas Operations Bill. In doing this, they have chosen to directly weaken proper support for our Armed Forces and veterans.
“The Government has argued the Bill stops repeated investigations of service personnel, but the legislation doesn’t put these words into action. Contrastingly, my Lib Dem colleague Lord Thomas’s amendment would have ensured investigation processes are timely and comprehensive.
“It is right that a proper duty of care be established for those service personnel subject to investigation and prosecution, and that service personnel remain able to bring complaints forward against the powers that be at the Ministry of Defence. That the Government has deemed these measures unnecessary is deeply disappointing.
“Liberal Democrats will continue to advocate for our service personnel who have sacrificed so much to keep us all safe. We must all work to ensure that their rights are protected and enhanced.”