Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to ensure veterans are protected from vexatious claims.

On 18 March 2020 the Government introduced the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill to help tackle vexatious claims and the cycle of reinvestigations against our Armed Forces personnel and veterans. Due to the impact of COVID on parliamentary business, the progression of the Bill to Second Reading has been delayed, but is now planned for 23 September.

In addition to the Overseas Operations Bill, we intend taking forward some of the key recommendations from HH Lyons' 2017 review to improve the Service Justice System, including Sir Jon Murphy's recommendation for the establishment of a tri-Service Defence Serious Crime Unit (DSCU), and for an oversight body for complaints against the Service Police. These measures are intended to deliver a stronger, more collaborative and effective role for the Service Police within the Service Justice System.