Oral Answers to Questions

Mark Jenkinson Excerpts

Monday 2nd November 2020 Commons Chamber

[Johnny Mercer]

Yes. The majority of personal injury and clinical negligence claims by service personnel and veterans against the MOD do not relate directly to overseas operations so will be unaffected by the Bill. Veterans will still be able to bring claims relating to overseas operations against the MOD within a reasonable timeframe. For example, in the event of a late diagnosis, service personnel and veterans will be able to bring personal injury claims against the MOD for up to six years from their date of knowledge.

[Mark Jenkinson (Workington) (Con)]

What assessment he has made of the potential effect of the overseas operations Bill on the ability of service personnel to make civil claims against his Department.

[The Minister for Defence People and Veterans (Johnny Mercer)]

The Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill will not prevent service personnel and veterans from bringing personal injury claims against the Ministry of Defence in relation to overseas operations within six years. Historically, we assess that the vast majority—around 94%—have done so already for claims relating to overseas operations. We will, of course, aim to ensure that everybody in the armed forces community is made aware of their right to bring claims and of changes to the relevant time limits for doing so in relation to overseas operations.

[Mark Jenkinson]

I thank the Minister for his answer. Does he agree that the rhetoric around exemptions from torture mislead colleagues and the public and only serve to misrepresent the purposes of this long overdue Bill?

[Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck (South Shields) (Lab)]

Did you write that for him?