§ 11. Mr. Robert KeyWhen he will visit Cyprus to assess the work of the British garrison. [45232]
§ The Minister for the Armed ForcesMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State visited the Akrotiri sovereign base in March. I shall make a more extensive visit to the garrison in Cyprus, starting tomorrow.
§ Mr. KeyI know that the Minister will be warmly welcomed. I am grateful to him for facilitating my recent visit. Does he agree that the very few serious disciplinary offences committed by Her Majesty's forces in Cyprus should be put in proportion and that the discipline of British forces in Cyprus is second to none? When he visits Cyprus, will he examine particularly the recreational facilities available for single soldiers, especially as they 695 are now largely confined to barracks following incidents that have been mentioned? Does he agree that the tabloid image of British forces in Cyprus—that it is a posting to over-indulgence in sand, sea and sex—is a gross distortion and highly misleading?
§ Dr. ReidI shall not comment on the last part of the hon. Gentleman's question; he has been to Cyprus more recently than I have. I would, however, make the serious point that British forces abroad, especially in Cyprus, are constantly in the media spotlight. That is more so in Cyprus because of the dreadful circumstances some time ago of the Jensen case. That terrible, tragic murder will continue to cast a shadow over the British forces in Cyprus for many years to come. I should therefore make it plain that we will not tolerate indiscipline. Some incidents over the past four years have been genuinely shocking, and the full weight of the law has been brought to bear on those responsible.
As the hon. Gentleman observed during his recent visit to the island, by far the majority of service personnel are well behaved. It is extremely regrettable that for the time being the many who day in, day out endure sacrifice in the service of their country are having to suffer for the irresponsible actions of the few. I should leave no one in any doubt that we will take robust action against anyone whose activities and ill discipline brings him and, unfortunately, his colleagues and country into disrespect.