GovWire

On 15 December 2022, the Ministry of Defence announced an independent statutory inquiry to investigate and report on alleged unlawful activity by UK Armed Forces during deliberate detention operations (DDO) in Afghanistan in the period mid-2010 to mid-2013, and the adequacy of subsequent investigations into such allegations.

Read the oral statement announcing the inquiry in Parliament

In July 2023, the Ministry of Defence issued a further statement to confirm that the allegations relate to the UK Special Forces. Hearings are ongoing and the Inquiry will report on its findings in due course.

The Inquiry is being chaired by Lord Justice Sir Charles Haddon-Cave, a senior presiding judge for England and Wales, who has previous experience in defence having been appointed by the Secretary of State for Defence to conduct The Nimrod Review; an independent review into broader issues surrounding the loss of the RAF Nimrod MR2 aircraft XV230 in Afghanistan in 2006.

Support for serving personnel and veterans

The wellbeing of its people is of the utmost importance to Defence.

There is a wide range of legal and welfare support available to serving personnel, veterans, and their families, who may be impacted by the inquiry.

Please access Wellbeing support for Defence personnel and veterans above for more information.

Veterans Gateway

Alternatively, access Veterans Gateway which provides information and support for Veterans and their families. Telephone: 08?08 80?2 12?12

Website of the independent inquiry

For more information, please access the website of the independent inquiry.