Written question asked by Lindsay Hoyle (Labour) on Thursday, 19 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 January 2006. It was answered by Adam Ingram (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 January 2006 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Troop Safety

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will bring forward legislation to make it a criminal offence for individuals (a) to place the safety of UK troops on active service in danger by their actions and (b) who question the reputation of British troops without basis.

Answer: There is always a distinction to be drawn between the freedoms appropriate to a democracy and the abuse of those freedoms by an individual seeking to cause harm.An individual who sought, deliberately and actively, to endanger the lives of UK troops may well be committing an offence under existing law, for example the Official Secrets Acts or the Prevention of Terrorism Act.The Government would not envisage bringing forward legislation to make it a criminal offence to question the reputation of British troops. However, the relevant laws in respect of defamation may apply.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 45302; 441 c2132W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Disclosure of information Armed forces Defamation Civilians Security
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk