Today’s defence news includes continuing coverage of the Iraqi Historic Allegations Team, the case of Marine A, the investigations into the role of former servicemen who served in Northern Ireland and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson’s visit to Saudi Arabia.
Iraqi Historic Allegations Team
The Times reports that IHAT has ended about 70% of the 3,392 allegations against troops and that an Iraqi was paid over £110,000 by IHAT to carry out administrative tasks, while also working at the same time for the legal firm Public Interest Lawyers (PIL).
An MOD spokesperson said:
The conduct of investigations is a matter for IHAT. However, the MOD has made it clear that public money must not be used to pay agents who work against our troops, and we have received assurances that that is the case.
Marine A
The Daily Mail continues to focus on the case of Marine A and its support of the former marine, speculating on whether he will be granted bail.
An MOD spokesperson said:
We will continue to co-operate fully with any legal process involving Sergeant Blackman’s case. Sergeant Blackman’s case has involved a full criminal inquiry, a court martial, an appeal, and has now been reviewed by the independent Criminal Cases Review Commission.
Northern Ireland
The Daily Mail reports that around 400 retired British soldiers have been sent letters asking for information to help police in their investigation into their role in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.
An MOD spokesperson said:
The overwhelming majority of those who served in Northern Ireland did so with great bravery and distinction. Any member of the military affected by this process will rightly be supported throughout and will receive free MOD legal representation.
