Local South Downs MP Andrew Griffith has said he is “appalled” by a recent Parliamentary vote to remove legal protections for military veterans, warning that the decision risks undermining both national security and confidence in the Armed Forces.
Mr Griffith said the first duty of any government should be the defence of the country and the protection of those who serve it, praising members of the Armed Forces for their courage, discipline and commitment, whether serving overseas or during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
He said the vote came at a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, when the UK and its allies face increasing pressure to invest more in defence. While acknowledging disagreements with former US President Donald Trump on a range of issues, Mr Griffith said he agreed with calls for NATO members and European nations to take on a greater share of the defence burden.
However, he argued that military capability depended not only on funding and equipment, but on the willingness of individuals to serve. He warned that this depended on service personnel knowing they had the backing of the country and its political leadership.
Mr Griffith criticised the decision to reopen the possibility of historical investigations into the actions of veterans, saying it would revive decades of so-called “lawfare” against former service members. He highlighted concerns that veterans now in their 70's and 80's could now face renewed legal action over incidents that occurred many years ago while serving the Crown.
He also warned that senior military figures had expressed alarm over the move, arguing it could deter future generations from joining the Armed Forces by weakening the long-standing moral and legal contract between the state and those who serve.
Andrew Griffith MP said:
“This is a reckless dismantling of our norms at the public's expense. I was proud to vote against this disastrous measure and I will continue to stand up for our veterans. To weaken them is to weaken Britain."
