News Item
Tackling Crime after Combat
Over the past year, the Justice Unions Parliamentary Group (JUPG) have brought together MPs, people across the prison and probation services, and voluntary organisations, in order to create solutions to the problem of high numbers of ex-servicemen / women entering in to the criminal justice system.
The JUPG has developed a Coordinated National Action Plan (attached) which could significantly reduce the number of former Service personnel ending up in prison by providing appropriate counselling advice and support at the point of discharge from the Forces and wherever contact is made with the criminal justice system.
Elfyn Llwyd MP, Chair of the Justice Unions Parliamentary Group, said:
“The recommendations published today are a landmark in the ongoing campaign to improve support available to vulnerable veterans.
“Many experience difficulties, often resulting in depression or reliance on drugs or alcohol.
“Unfortunately, far too many become completely cut off from society and end up in prison, probation or on parole. We have now reached a situation where thousands of ex-servicemen and women are being arrested every month, many for violent crimes.
“Clearly, we are not spending enough time preparing our soldiers for life when they leave.
“More help needs to be available as a matter of course both during and immediately after active combat – regardless of whether they ask for this help.
John McDonnell MP (Hayes and Harlington), Secretary of the Justice Unions Parliamentary Group, said:
“It is clear there are deep rooted and long term problems with regards to veterans entering the criminal justice system and that action is urgently needed .
With the criminal justice system under strain, we need to be aiming at reducing the amount of people becoming unnecessarily institutionalised in the system.”
Conservative MP and member of the JUPG, Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) said
“I worked closely with Brian Lyons, who was the Isle of Sheppey representative for the Soldier, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SAAFA), to lobby for an improvement in the level of counselling offered to our service personnel after they leave the Armed Forces.
“Sadly, Brian passed away earlier this year and it would be a tribute to his memory if we can work with agencies such as the Kent Police Force to reduce the number of ex-service personnel who end up in the criminal justice system.”
Lord Ramsbotham of Kensington, Vice Chair of the JUPG, said:
“I hope that, in its acknowledging the need for the nation to honour the military covenant, Government does not ignore the group of veterans whose needs are so comprehensively examined and covered in this action plan.”
Harry Fletcher, Assistant General Secretary of Napo the Trade Union and Professional Association for Family Court and Probation Staff said:
“Two surveys undertaken by Napo suggest that 8% of the prison and probation population have seen military service. For the vast majority that service occurred in the past 10 years. It is clear that advice, help and counselling is not reaching soldiers in a worrying number of cases. It is critical that the government develops policies to ensure soldiers who enter the criminal justice system receive proper advice and health care. This strategy will save money in the long run. That must be a priority for ministers. If soldiers are willing to risk their lives for their country then they deserve proper help and welfare on return”.
Download a copy of the action plan