The continuing debate surrounding the Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan, alongside developments concerning Northern Ireland legacy cases, raises difficult questions for serving personnel, veterans and those who represent them.
BAFF has consistently opposed repeated, vexatious or oppressive investigations. We remain concerned about the effects of prolonged proceedings on individuals and their families, and about the need for fairness, proper legal protections and appropriate safeguards for those providing evidence.
At the same time, allegations of serious wrongdoing cannot simply be dismissed because they concern members of the Armed Forces, including Special Forces. Nor should allegations be treated as established facts before they have been properly examined.
There are legitimate differences of opinion among serving and former personnel about these matters. Operational experience deserves to be heard, but it does not necessarily produce a single view.
In the Afghanistan case, the Inquiry is examining not only allegations concerning individual operations but also concerns raised within the chain of command, the response of the Ministry of Defence and the adequacy of subsequent investigations.
BAFF won't prejudge the Inquiry's findings. Our concern is that the rights and interests of all personnel affected – including those accused of wrongdoing, those who have raised concerns and those called upon to give evidence – should be properly protected.
Defending our people and accepting fair accountability are not inherently contradictory objectives.