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USA: Armed Forces

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 22823

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 17 July 2026 to question 14519 on USA: Armed Forces, by when will he plans to publish further details of the process which was enacted for the case involving Dr Steele.

Answered by Ministry of Defence

Dr Steele’s case clearly raised important issues that are being considered across Government and we remain committed to identifying and applying the lessons arising from this case. This includes the application and operation of jurisdictional arrangements under the Visiting Forces Act 1952 and how these are implemented across the criminal justice system.

In particular, we welcome the fact that, following this case, the Chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) has written to all Chief Constables in England and Wales to remind forces of their responsibilities under the Visiting Forces Act 1952 (VFA). The NPCC is also considering whether additional formal guidance for police forces is required.

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