The MoD has today
announced that the Armed Forces Act 2006 will come into force on
31 October 2009 to replace the current single Service Discipline
Acts.
Minister for Veterans and Under Secretary of State for Defence,
Kevan Jones said:
This legislation establishes a single system of Service law
across the three Services. It also preserves the important
principle of a separate Service justice system, reflecting the
particular circumstances of the Armed Forces, and keeps the
commanding officer at the heart of Service discipline. It promotes
greater fairness, which in turn supports operational effectiveness.
The new single, harmonised and modernised system of Service law
will apply to the personnel of all three Services wherever they
are serving. It will also apply to some civilians who are posted
overseas.
Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup said:
“The need for a Service Justice System is fundamental to the
continued effectiveness of the Armed Forces across the wide range
of environments and situations in which they serve. Tri-Service
legislation on discipline will ensure that the same basic rights
and procedures apply to all members of the Armed forces accused of misconduct.”
The main aim of the 2006 Act is to support operational
effectiveness, through:
• the establishment of a single system of Service law
• a common range of offences capable of being heard summarily by
commanding officers
• a single Court Martial system, including the establishment of a
Service Prosecuting Authority
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. The Armed Forces Act 2006 will replace the Army Act 1955, the
Air Force Act 1955 and the Naval Discipline Act 1957.
2. For more information contact Lucy Bowen in the MoD Press
office on
0207 218 9900, by email on DMC-NewsSO2Army@mod.uk or
visit the website www.mod.uk.
Contacts:
Ministry of Defence
NDS.MOD@coi.gsi.gov.uk