Thank you for contacting me about the Overseas Operations Bill.
I understand that you have concerns regarding the appropriateness of the Bill. I agree with you that victims of torture need to know that their allegations will be taken with the utmost seriousness and I am confident that the Bill makes full provision for the correct course of justice to be maintained.
The Overseas Operations Bill does not prevent prosecutions where genuine wrongdoing is found to have occurred, but is designed to give personnel and veterans protections against vexatious claims and repeated investigations. As you are aware, there is a presumption against prosecution over allegations more than five years old. However, if there is new and compelling evidence and an exceptional case is brought forward then it can absolutely be pursued.
I believe it is vital that service personnel are held to the highest standards of behaviour and conduct. This Bill ensures that credible allegations continue to be investigated and prosecuted where appropriate, but also that our Armed Forces will be protected from those vexatious claims and repeated investigations that so many have suffered in recent years.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Craig Whittaker MP
November 2020