Armed Forces: USA
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the answer of 17 July 2026 to question 14519 on USA: Armed Forces, what discussions has his department held with the Ministry of Defence regarding the details of this case.
Answered by Ministry of Justice
This question relates to a sexual offence case involving a member of the US armed forces stationed at RAF Lakenheath, and a British citizen.
Following this case and others like it coming to light, Departments including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Defence, Home Office and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office have met on a regular basis to address the issues raised – including the application and operation of jurisdictional arrangements under the Visiting Forces Act 1952 (VFA) and how these are implemented across the criminal justice system.
As discussions are ongoing, I am not in a position to set out any further details at this stage. However, the Chair of the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) has already written to all Chief Constables in England and Wales to remind forces of their responsibilities under the VFA. The NPCC is also considering whether further formal guidance for police forces is required.
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