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Written question asked by Baroness Brown of Silvertown (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 April 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 April 2019. It was answered by Tobias Ellwood (Conservative) on Monday, 8 April 2019 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Firing Ranges

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his investigation into the video allegedly showing serving armed forces personnel firing weapons at a target depicting the Leader of the Opposition will include (a) standards of discipline within all sections of the armed forces involved in that alleged event and (b) the way in which politics and political events are discussed by (i) officers and (ii) all other sections of the armed forces involved in that alleged event.

Answer

The video circulating on social media is deeply troubling. This behaviour is far from the high standards we usually see and expect of the Army at any time

The Army has quick to launch a full investigation by the Royal Military Police. The findings of this investigation will inform next steps and appropriate action will be taken.

The Defence Operational Shooting Policy specifies which types of targets are to be used during live fire training. At no time on any live firing activities are Service personnel encouraged to use images of public figures as targets.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
240543
Session
2017-19
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Disciplinary proceedings Armed forces Photographs Afghanistan Firing ranges Corbyn, Jeremy
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk