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Iraq: Fatal Shootings of Sergeant Steven Roberts and Zaher Zaher

My Lords, the material has become public knowledge, because it was disclosed during a legal action by the Ministry of Defence, although it was never intended to be disclosed. I said that there was evidence that could appear to show a concerted decision by the chain of command to prevent a full investigation. There is no doubt that there was a decision not to allow a full investigation. I do not believe that it was the right decision; it was right that there should be a full investigation. As I have said, I do not believe that that was unlawful, but in the interests of the military justice system, and the justice system as a whole, it was right to transfer this case from the military system. It has not reached the Old Bailey because it has been fully investigated. We can see the results of the investigation and no one can say that it has not been fully investigated. A considered, objective and independent view has been taken that these soldiers should not stand trial for anything. I welcome that, and I should imagine that the noble Lord does, too.