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Armed Forces Bill

I do not think that safeguards have been stripped away because, as I have said, we are bolstering and safeguarding the commanding officer’s role. The hon. Member for Aldershot (Mr. Howarth) asserted that the commanding officer would be taken out of the loop completely, but I have tried to emphasise the fact that he will have input, not at court martial, but at an earlier stage when the prosecution is taken forward. My hon. Friend the Member for Islwyn (Mr. Touhig) reminded us of his promise of guidance and, in the spirit of the Bill, the Conservatives were happy that that guidance would be produced. I do not think for one minute that the commanding officer will be carved out of the process altogether. His role in the submission of evidence is reinforced, ensuring that we do not end up in a situation where evidence comes forward too late and cases go to court that should not do so.