The British Legion have launched a campaign* – the issue they want to promote to the public and politicians is the injustice of a situation where the families of soldiers who die heroically do not receive financial aid for legal representation in Court. When convicted child molesters die in custody, their families get legal aid. Why should soldier’s families be treated worse?
The MoD is doing everything it can to frustrate legal investigations by coroners, suppress publicity and withhold compensation. The power to grant public funding for representation at an inquest lies only with the Lord Chancellor, Jack Straw. In the case of prisoners who die in custody the funding is automatic, Service families need to apply to the Lord Chancellor for their case to be classed as “exceptional” and they must meet financial criteria. Is that the right way round?
*Full disclosure: the British Legion are advertising their campaign on Guido. An advert is not the same as an endorsement – but Guido is more than happy in this case to support their campaign.
