LONDON (Web Desk) – The UK government is all set to introduce a law seeking the exemption of British troops from any lawsuit filed against them citing their role in conflict zones making them unfazed about human rights in future.
The proposals are being finalised owing to the extended role of European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), that ensures the provision of human rights, in recent past.
The legislators pushing for the approval of bill justify the move citing the tough role of British troops in war zones. They opine that the action was necessary fearing the probable drop out of troops.
Under the proposals, while British soldiers would be protected from action using ECHR law, they would still be subject to International Humanitarian Law, including the Geneva conventions and UK criminal law.
Prime Minister Theresa May also backed the legislation adding the move was required to support the front line armed troops when they return back from war zones.
“We will repay them with gratitude and put an end to the industry of vexatious claims that has pursued those who served in previous conflicts, ” she said.
The UK Ministry of Defence had spent a lot of money for an inquiry into Iraq-related investigations and with the introduction of the new law, the troops fighting in war zones would not worry about their actions in conflict with basic human rights.
Justifying the proposed bill, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon expressed that the country’s legal system had been misused to hurl baseless allegations on troops.
“It has caused significant distress to people who risked their lives to protect us, it has cost the taxpayer millions and there is a real risk it will stop our armed forces doing their job” he said.
A special “Iraq Historic Allegations Team” was devised to look into the alleged misconduct committed by British troops after they landed in Iraq during the period of 2003 to July 2009.
The Iraqi nationals had filed complaints against the English troops regarding unlawful killings and violence.
