Given that the Ministry of Defence is represented by very eminent leading counsel, I’m sure that there are cogent legal grounds for the appeal it has commenced against tribunal awards made to two injured soldiers under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
Ethically, however, the decision is questionable and politically it is inexplicable. The public, appalled at the increasing numbers killed and wounded in Afghanistan, will understandably be incensed that the MoD has decided to cause yet more distress to the servicemen.
The compensation scheme is flawed and does not do justice to our armed forces. It is long overdue for review.
The new Defence Secretary, Bob Ainsworth, would have been wise to accept the tribunals’ decisions, forgo the appeals and start the review process without further delay.
