UK defence secretary Ben Wallace's torture comments align with government agenda to undermine torture ban

Following resurfaced comments made by UK deference secretary Ben Wallace, published by The Guardian, we are concerned that it is wholly in line with today's government agenda to undermine an absolute torture ban.

Sonya Sceats, Chief Executive of Freedom from Torture, says:

"It would be comforting to think that a story about the new Defence Secretary endorsing mock executions in an interview he gave sixteen years ago might be of merely historic interest. Surely, no serving government minister could believe it is acceptable to support actions banned under the UN Convention Against Torture and the laws of war.

"Sadly, Mr Wallace’s comments are in tune with a government agenda to undermine the absolute torture ban. His department is currently consulting on proposals which would give a 10-year expiry date for prosecution of crimes committed by British forces abroad, potentially even including torture.

Blocking justice for crimes of the past sets a dangerous precedent. It must be avoided at all costs.

"For the UK to create impunity in this way would be offensive to torture survivors, including those who walk through the doors of Freedom from Torture every day. It would also be damaging for British military leaders who want the UK armed forces to be champions of the rule of law worldwide. Blocking justice for crimes of the past sets a dangerous precedent. It must be avoided at all costs."

Read our letter in The Guardian.