We want the Government to enhance the legal rights of HM Armed Forces personnel by providing funding to them for legal advice and representation in Service matters from the legal representative of their choice.

We believe these changes are required to ensure that HM Armed Forces personnel are protected by the same rule of law that they defend. At present, we feel there is no equality of arms, as many cases are dealt with by the chain of command, which has greater resources and access to legal advice. We believe that inequality inevitably leads to distress, unfairness and, sometimes, the unjust loss of a career. The Armed Forces could then be deprived of excellent personnel and morale sinks; which could both undermine operational effectiveness.