MOD Seeks Curb on Compensation
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
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MOD Seeks Curb on Compensation
The Times: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/o...oops-vrq8lcpgb
Outcry over plan to curb compensation for injured troops
The Ministry of Defence has been accused of betraying British troops with plans for “back door” legislation to curb injury compensation claims.
Veterans and lawyers have warned that thousands of servicemen and women who have suffered life-changing physical and mental trauma could be blocked from seeking compensation under the plan. Claims must normally be brought within three years of the date of an injury, or the date on which the individual became aware of a cause of an injury, although courts can extend that period. The MoD wants to impose a “longstop” time period beyond which claims cannot be made. A ten-year limit is suggested although it could be shorter or longer.
The proposal is contained within a consultation that is primarily focused on protecting veterans from historical claims. In it, the MoD states that it is “very difficult to assess such compensation claims in a fair and proportionate manner”. It adds: “Records are rarely sufficiently detailed to be able to disprove specific allegations, and the memories of those involved in incidents fade over time.”
The ministry insisted that the move was not designed to stop the government being held accountable for injuries or deaths, but “should ensure that claims are brought promptly”. However, campaigners pointed out that many mental health issues sparked by traumatic experiences on the battlefield can take years to materialise and to diagnose.
Hilary Meredith, director of Hilary Meredith Solicitors, which specialises in military cases, accused the government of “a cynical attempt to abandon the brave men and women who have served their country — sometimes with their lives — abroad”.
Simon Ellis, head of the military team at Hugh James solicitors, said the proposal amounted to an attempt by the ministry to “place itself outside the reach of the court”.
An MoD spokesman said: “The proposed longstop will not prevent armed forces personnel from being able to access the compensation they deserve. The plans will help stop lawyers cashing in on the public purse, while continuing to ensure that personnel access compensation, even for illnesses which may occur years after an event.”......
Outcry over plan to curb compensation for injured troops
The Ministry of Defence has been accused of betraying British troops with plans for “back door” legislation to curb injury compensation claims.
Veterans and lawyers have warned that thousands of servicemen and women who have suffered life-changing physical and mental trauma could be blocked from seeking compensation under the plan. Claims must normally be brought within three years of the date of an injury, or the date on which the individual became aware of a cause of an injury, although courts can extend that period. The MoD wants to impose a “longstop” time period beyond which claims cannot be made. A ten-year limit is suggested although it could be shorter or longer.
The proposal is contained within a consultation that is primarily focused on protecting veterans from historical claims. In it, the MoD states that it is “very difficult to assess such compensation claims in a fair and proportionate manner”. It adds: “Records are rarely sufficiently detailed to be able to disprove specific allegations, and the memories of those involved in incidents fade over time.”
The ministry insisted that the move was not designed to stop the government being held accountable for injuries or deaths, but “should ensure that claims are brought promptly”. However, campaigners pointed out that many mental health issues sparked by traumatic experiences on the battlefield can take years to materialise and to diagnose.
Hilary Meredith, director of Hilary Meredith Solicitors, which specialises in military cases, accused the government of “a cynical attempt to abandon the brave men and women who have served their country — sometimes with their lives — abroad”.
Simon Ellis, head of the military team at Hugh James solicitors, said the proposal amounted to an attempt by the ministry to “place itself outside the reach of the court”.
An MoD spokesman said: “The proposed longstop will not prevent armed forces personnel from being able to access the compensation they deserve. The plans will help stop lawyers cashing in on the public purse, while continuing to ensure that personnel access compensation, even for illnesses which may occur years after an event.”......
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Orac - Do you think this is Act 1 from the wonderful new Office for Veterans' Affairs, or a sour Ministry pre-empt to tie it up before it gets started ?
https://news.sky.com/story/boris-johnson-announces-dedicated-office-for-veterans-affairs-to-support-military-personnel-11772711
"The newly created Office for Veterans' Affairs will be staffed by officials from the Cabinet Office and Ministry of Defence."
He (Boris) added: "It is absolutely right that the government should do all it can to support our armed forces from the day they enlist and for the rest of their lives."
LFH
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Orac - Do you think this is Act 1 from the wonderful new Office for Veterans' Affairs, or a sour Ministry pre-empt to tie it up before it gets started ?
https://news.sky.com/story/boris-johnson-announces-dedicated-office-for-veterans-affairs-to-support-military-personnel-11772711
"The newly created Office for Veterans' Affairs will be staffed by officials from the Cabinet Office and Ministry of Defence."
He (Boris) added: "It is absolutely right that the government should do all it can to support our armed forces from the day they enlist and for the rest of their lives."
LFH
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Justice 4Troops
This is exactly why we stood up last month; created by a credible, capable and committed bunch of people, currently serving and/or recently retired with first hand experience of how the MoD (and elements of the Single Service Boards) wilfully betray all who serve....more to come on this and associated issues over the coming weeks as the reality gains momentum. There is a real issue today of injustice and the concealment of it within our Armed Forces, by our Armed Forces.
As we gain momentum here, I invite you to consider the wisdom of 60 years ago from someone familiar perhaps to this erstwhile audience, and ask you reflect on its value today when you see it through the prism of 'reputation':
To quote Lord Tedder
The present Service members of the Air Council are all old friends and comrades of mine, with whom I have served in various rôles. They are men for whom I have a deep affection and admiration. But that does not absolve me from raising my voice in opposition if I see them, as I do in this case, acquiescing in a policy which I believe gravely to threaten the welfare of our Service. I know from my own experience what an immensely powerful influence is wielded by the financial authorities in the Ministry, and provided that that power is not abused it is right and healthy. Nevertheless, it is the duty of the Service members of the Council to ensure that the moral and human factors, of which they alone have personal experience and knowledge, are not outbalanced by material and financial considerations, as they clearly are in this case.
[email protected]
As we gain momentum here, I invite you to consider the wisdom of 60 years ago from someone familiar perhaps to this erstwhile audience, and ask you reflect on its value today when you see it through the prism of 'reputation':
To quote Lord Tedder
The present Service members of the Air Council are all old friends and comrades of mine, with whom I have served in various rôles. They are men for whom I have a deep affection and admiration. But that does not absolve me from raising my voice in opposition if I see them, as I do in this case, acquiescing in a policy which I believe gravely to threaten the welfare of our Service. I know from my own experience what an immensely powerful influence is wielded by the financial authorities in the Ministry, and provided that that power is not abused it is right and healthy. Nevertheless, it is the duty of the Service members of the Council to ensure that the moral and human factors, of which they alone have personal experience and knowledge, are not outbalanced by material and financial considerations, as they clearly are in this case.
[email protected]
