Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what support his Department is offering to (a) former members of the Armed Forces who are under investigation for incidents that occurred during Operation Banner and (b) the families of those former members.

Where veterans are being interviewed as potential suspects in connection with incidents that arose as part of their service, taxpayer-funded legal support (including counsel where appropriate) will be provided for as long as is necessary, regardless of how long ago the incident took place, or the length of the veterans' service. The Department will also support any application for anonymity and/or screening that the individual chooses to make in relation to any court appearances that may be necessary. In addition, pastoral care is provided through Regimental Associations, directly by the Ministry of Defence - through Veterans UK - and in partnership with charities who support ex-service personnel, according to each individual's needs and circumstances. This support is provided direct to the veterans themselves; there is no separate programme of support for families in these circumstances, although we would be willing to consider help in individual cases.