Oral Answers to Questions

Sheryll Murray Excerpts

Monday 3rd February 2020 Commons Chamber

[Tom Randall (Gedling) (Con)]

5. What steps his Department plans to take to tackle vexatious claims against armed forces personnel.

[Mrs Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall) (Con)]

13. What steps his Department plans to take to tackle vexatious claims against armed forces personnel.

[Laura Farris (Newbury) (Con)]

24. What steps his Department is taking to tackle vexatious claims made against armed forces personnel.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mrs Sheryll Murray]

What action is being taken to halt the prosecutions currently under way in Northern Ireland of those who served in our armed forces and in the police during the troubles while a review is being undertaken?

[Mr Wallace]

My hon. Friend will know that it is obviously not for the Executive or the Government to interfere once a prosecution is under way. Prosecutions are a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions, either here or in Northern Ireland. However, no one must be above the law where there is genuine evidence of wrongdoing, but when the process is abused for vexatious purposes, it is right that the Government step forward with measures to stop that happening.