Government to protect troops from ‘vexation claims’

The government has announced new legal measures to protect UK troops from ‘vexatious claims’.

The change in policy will mean parts of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) could be suspended during future conflicts.

Commenting on the use of the ECHR legal system, Fallon said: “It has caused significant distress to people who risked their lives to protect us, it has cost the taxpayer millions and there is a real risk it will stop our armed forces doing their job.

"This is not about putting our armed forces above the law, they wouldn't want that. They have to comply with the criminal law of this country and of course with the Geneva conventions.

"Serious claims must be investigated but spurious claims will be stopped and our armed forces will now be able to do their job fighting the enemy and not the lawyers."

If voted through in Houses of Parliament, the UK would ‘derogate’ from Article two and Article five, right to live and right to liberty.

Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Our Armed Forces are the best in the world and the men and women who serve make huge sacrifices to keep us safe. My government will ensure that our troops are recognised for the incredible job they do. Those who serve on the frontline will have our support when they come home.

“We will repay them with gratitude and put an end to the industry of vexatious claims that has pursued those who served in previous conflicts. Combined with the biggest defence budget in Europe, the action we are laying out today means we will continue to play our part on the world stage, protecting UK interests across the globe.”

The Ministry of Defence has said it has spent in excess of £100 million on Iraq-related investigations, inquiries and compensation since 2004.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon added: “Our legal system has been abused to level false charges against our troops on an industrial scale.

“It has caused significant distress to people who risked their lives to protect us, it has cost the taxpayer millions and there is a real risk it will stop our Armed Forces doing their job.

“It will help to protect our troops from vexatious claims, ensuring they can confidently take difficult decisions on the battlefield. And it will enable us to spend more of our growing defence budget on equipment for them rather than fees for lawyers.”