ARMED FORCES OMBUDSMAN

Early day motion 2093, tabled 3 May 2006 by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 50 members.

That this House notes the findings of the Blake Review published on 29th March 2006; further notes that recommendation 26 of the Review proposes an Armed Forces Ombudsman; notes with concern that figures from the latest Army Continuous Attitudes Survey show that of those soldiers who complained about unfair treatment, discrimination, harassment or bullying in the last 12 months, 77 per cent. were not satisfied with the way the complaint was handled; further notes that the Money Resolution agreed in this House on 21st March 2006 would cover provisions in the Armed Forces Bill establishing an Ombudsman; and therefore calls upon the Government to support recommendation 26 of the Blake Review and bring forward an amendment to the Armed Forces Bill to establish an Armed Forces Ombudsman.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 22, Labour 21, Conservative 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.