Concern over number of soldiers who end up in jail prompts review
Tory MP Rory Stewart, a former Black Watch officer, to examine why ex-soldiers account for 3.5% of prison population
Rory Stewart, the Tory MP who served as deputy governor of an Iraqi province after the 2003 war, is to lead a government review to improve the rehabilitation of ex-service personnel who are jailed.
Stewart, who is a former Black Watch officer, is to examine the reasons why a relatively large number of soldiers from the non-commissioned ranks end up in jail. He will also examine whether they are being properly managed in rehabilitation programmes.
Chris Grayling, the justice secretary, appointed Stewart amid concerns in Whitehall at the number of former soldiers who are given custodial or community sentences. Latest figures from 2009 show that former members of the armed forces account for around 3.5% of the prison population (2,820) and around the same percentage of those on licence: 5,860. They are almost all from the non-commissioned ranks and 80% were full-time members of the armed forces.
Stewart, who was elected as MP for Penrith and the Borders in 2010 after serving as deputy governor of Iraq’s Maysan province, said: “Veterans have made a unique contribution to our society, and we owe them a huge debt. Their needs are specific, and it is an honour to have the opportunity to support veterans in this way. I am very much looking forward to working with veterans organisations, the armed forces and the ministry of justice to make sure we have the best programme for veterans in the world.”
Grayling said: “After leaving the armed forces the vast majority of veterans continue to make a hugely positive contribution to our country. But for a few the transition to civilian life isn’t always straightforward, and some end up in the criminal justice system. I want to make sure that we take specific account of their needs and experiences and make sure that they get the right rehabilitation to get their lives back together again. It’s the very least we can do for people who put their lives on the line for our country.”
Philip Hammond, the defence secretary, said: “Armed forces veterans have made a significant commitment to their country and it is right that the government should help support them when they hit tough times. That is why we should look at how we can improve the level of support and rehabilitation available to veterans who end up in the criminal justice system.”
