British soldiers accused of committing war crimes in Iraq are unlikely to face prosecution, as the Service Prosecution Authority (SPA) has dismissed all but one case. Director Andrew Cayley told BBC Radio 4's Law in Action that most allegations lacked credible evidence or involved very low-level offending.
Over 1,000 cases were brought by former lawyer Phil Shiner and his firm Public Interest Lawyers (PIL). Shiner was struck off in 2017 for misconduct and dishonesty, including false accounts about UK soldiers. Of seven remaining cases referred to the SPA, six were dropped, and the final case may also not lead to charges.
Cayley expressed confidence that a separate International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into alleged British abuses in Iraq will conclude this year without further action. He stated, 'My sense is these matters are coming to a conclusion; she will close the preliminary examination this year in respect of Iraq and the United Kingdom.'
The government has introduced a bill to curb historic allegations against armed forces, proposing a five-year time limit on prosecutions unless compelling new evidence emerges. Veterans minister Johnny Mercer said the bill aims to reduce uncertainty for service personnel and veterans. However, human rights groups and lawyers, including Law Society vice-president David Greene, have raised concerns that the legislation could place the military above the law and undermine international conventions.
