Still No Justice for Military Policemen

Despite the speed in which the current British government attempts to prosecute British soldiers for any unfounded allegations made in Iraq, it seems that this approach does not extend to those who murder our servicemen.

It seems a long time ago that we heard of the murders of Sgt Simon Hamilton-Jewell, Cpl Russell Aston, Cpl Paul Long, Cpl Simon Miller, L/Cpl Benjamin Hyde, and L/Cpl Tom Keys. These serving military policemen were killed in June 2003, after a mob of 400 Iraqis surrounded, and stormed, an unprotected police station at Majar al-Kabir.

The fact that the MoD failed to adequately arm and support these soldiers is deplorable in itself. However, the failure of Tony Blair to keep a promise to the families, that the perpetrators would be brought to justice, is even less forgiveable. This despite Geoff Hoon, the then Defence Secretary, having told the families that "we have the names of those responsible". There can be no excuses, and this government must realise where it's priorities lie.