Sunderland Conservatives condemn Shadow Veterans Minister Sharon Hodgson over failure to back bill protecting UK soldiers

Image of Greg Peacock

The Sunderland Conservatives are shocked and appalled by local MP and Shadow Veterans Minister Sharon Hodgson’s call for the government to halt their attempts to pass the Overseas Operations Bill.

The bill, designed to protect UK veterans from vexatious legal claims, is expected to be introduced in Parliament next month.

Constituency Officer for Washington and Sunderland West and candidate for St. Anne’s ward Gregory Peacock said:

I am shocked at local Labour MP Sharon Hodgson calling for a halt to the governments Overseas Operations Bill.

These unnecessary prosecutions cost the UK taxpayer millions of pounds, which could be better used to support our veterans.

Mrs Hodgson should also be aware that this bill does not ‘shield’ those that are guilty of crimes, but simply limits historical prosecutions to five years, unless credible evidence emerges outside of that time.

I am certain that the many serving UK forces personnel, and retired veterans from the North East will agree this bill provides them with assurances that their service to this country is valued by those they protect.

You may also be interested in

  • Image of Gregory Peacock

    Gregory Peacock

    Constituency Officer (Washington and Sunderland West)
    Candidate for St. Anne's Ward

    I am the Conservative candidate for St Anne’s Ward in the May 2021 local elections. 

  • Pennywell, Grindon and South Hylton

    Gregory Peacock is a local campaigner and the Conservative candidate for St Anne's Ward in 2021.

    Greg lives in the ward and campaigns on local issues. In recent months he has held a number of litter picks and worked with police and ASB officers to tackle anti-social behaviour.

     

  • Washington

    Hilary Johnson, Craig Morrison and Paul Donaghy are local campaigners and Conservative candidates in Washington.

Sunderland Conservatives react to Eat Out to Help Out Success

Local Conservatives have been very encouraged to note the success of the Chancellor’s, Rishi Sunak’s, Eat Out to Help Out scheme, which altogether saw, within the borough of Sunderland, 228,000 meals claimed,  182 establishments signing-up to it, with, in total, over £1.3m being claimed by the re