British Soldier’s face having legal fees deducted from their pay

Hilary Meredith, a solicitor whose clients include a major facing prosecution for manslaughter in Iraq said “ Whey are we holding our servicemen to high and dry and we should not hold our servicemen to the same principles as common criminals. However, the military have never supported a single individual by paying his legal contribution before trial”.

The MoD is funding multi- million pound enquiries into soldier’s actions in Iraq and Afghanistan but they are penny-pinching over the money for solicitor’s costs.”

The Armed Forces runs it own legal aid system, similar to civilian legal aid, military suspects are means tested before they qualify for free or subsidised defence lawyers. Serving soldiers who earn more than the legal aid minimum, do not get a free defence lawyer. Those soldiers with a disposable income of between £12,475 to 37,500 may be entitled to some contribution towards costs.

The Iraq Historic Allegations Team is investigating almost 1.500 cases of mistreatment and unlawful killings in Iraq.

A spokesman for Theresa May aid It was “right that we continue to support anyone from the Armed Forces involved in an investigation or inquiry and they will receive appropriate support, including legal advice where necessary”.

An MoD Spokesman said: “All those interviewed after caution in Ihat investigations have received publicly-funded legal advice and assistance. If their case is referred to trial, they are eligible to apply for support and our dedicated legal aid body would contact them to ensure they receive what they are entitle to”.