NEWS FROM LABOUR: Dan Jarvis MP, Shadow Justice Minister, responding to reports that the Ministry of Justice is to announce a six-month study into the rehabilitation needs of military veterans, said:
“For some time now Labour has been pushing for better support for former members of the Armed Forces to prevent them getting sucked into a life of crime. Getting veterans who end up in our criminal justice system back on the straight and narrow has a crucial role to play in tackling crime and reducing re-offending. It is also part of our country’s duty of care to them for their service to the country.
“We welcome the Government agreeing to look in more detail at what is needed to support ex-service personnel who commit crime but Ministers should go further and agree to Labour’s calls - backed by cross-party support – to introduce a pilot of a veterans’ court.”
Ends
Editor’s Notes:
1. Labour tabled amendments to the Offender Rehabilitation Bill during its progress through the House of Lords last summer on rehabilitation of veterans, and has amendments tabled for debate at Report Stage on Tuesday 14th January http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/cbill/2013-2014/0138/amend/offenderrehabaddednames.pdf
2. Labour’s amendment for Tuesday also has the support of Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Plaid Cymru MPs