§ 22. Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received on the subject of British soldiers executed after courts martial in the first world war; and what replies he has given. [93189]
§ Dr. MoonieIn the last six months, I have received five representations from hon. and right hon. Members and 32 from members of the public on this issue.
The position has not changed since the detailed and careful review by my right hon. Friend Dr. John Reid, the then Minister of State for the Armed Forces, who announced his conclusions to this House on 24 July 1998, Official Report, columns 1372–86.
This review resulted in very important steps being taken to recognise these men as victims of the war and to draw them and their families into the nation's consciousness and remembrance. The public commemoration of these men in the National Memorial Arboretum is very fitting.