Member

“Compelling” new evidence is not defined; it is enough for it to be reasonably suspected to exist. The bar for repeat investigations is simply too low. That is why I have tabled amendments 123 to 129, all at the request of the SAS Regimental Association. They would create a full certification process regarding new evidence. Under amendment 123, before an investigation duplicating earlier proceedings could proceed, the director of investigations would have to certify that material new evidence existed based on a new evidence certificate, rather than having regard to a vague requirement to lay out the exact reasons why the new evidence was material—reasons, of course, that would be open to challenge if inadequate. That is the pivotal provision, on which amendments 124 to 129 rely and that we wanted to press to a vote. However, to my great surprise and dismay, that has not been granted.