Guidance

Independent inquiry into alleged unlawful activity by UK Special Forces during deliberate detention operations in Afghanistan

An independent statutory inquiry is investigating alleged unlawful activity by UK Special Forces during deliberate detention operations in Afghanistan in the period mid-2010 to mid-2013.

• From: Ministry of Defence
• Published: 15 December 2022
• Last updated: 17 July 2024 — See all updates

Documents

Terms of reference

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Wellbeing support for Defence personnel and veterans

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Wellbeing support for Defence personnel and veterans

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Details

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: 08‍08 80‍2 12‍12

Website of the independent inquiry

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

Published 15 December 2022
Last updated 17 July 2024 + show all updates

1. 17 July 2024

   Updated: Wellbeing support for Defence personnel and veterans.

2. 19 September 2023

   Updated 'Terms of reference'.

3. 23 March 2023

   Added: link to the website of the independent inquiry.

4. 15 December 2022

   First published.