Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ranil Jayawardena and Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton

Monday 25th March 2019 Commons Chamber

[Mr Ranil Jayawardena (North East Hampshire) (Con)]

6. If he will introduce a statute of limitations on prosecutions in order to protect servicemen and women.

[The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mark Lancaster)]

We take the prosecution of veterans very seriously. Our service personnel are of course subject to the law, but veterans should not have to face repeated investigations many years after the events in question. That is why we have a dedicated defence team looking at this complex issue. A statute of limitations, which presents significant challenges, is the subject of inquiry by the Select Committee on Defence, and we await its report with interest.

[Mr Jayawardena]

I recently met Field Marshal Lord Bramall, the former head of the armed forces, who is one of my constituents. Since last year when so many of my constituents signed the petition on this issue, how has my right hon. and gallant Friend been ensuring that the political context of the troubles, which Lord Bramall’s book, “The Bramall Papers”, describes, is taken into account in today’s politically motivated witch hunts?

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ranil Jayawardena and Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton

Monday 12th December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Ranil Jayawardena (North East Hampshire) (Con)]

T9. At RAF Odiham in my constituency, 97% of the outdated junior-rank accommodation either has the worst grading or has been condemned. Will my hon. Friend meet me to discuss meeting the approved requirement that has already been determined?

[Mark Lancaster]

I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend, but I am pleased to report that a funded programme to rebuild or repair the five worst accommodation blocks will start next year for completion by 2022.