The British government announced on Sunday the enactment of a new law to prosecute former military personnel who train foreign armies around the world.
Lining up of British Army personnel - Source: British Army Official Website
Under the British government’s new National Security Crimes Act, former members of the British armed forces who train foreign armies around the world and who have shared sensitive information with foreign powers can be prosecuted.
British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Anyone found to be acting against the interests of the UK by training rival armies can now expect to be pursued and brought to justice.”
China causes England anger against military personnel
This came after the British Ministry of Defence issued a security alert last year, revealing that a number of former pilots in the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Army were training the People’s Liberation Army Air Force after contracting them through a private company in South Africa.
⚡️🇬🇧 Footage from the British Ministry of Defense of the training of Ukrainian recruits in the use of Malloy heavy drones
These drones can transport supplies and weapons to the front line and even evacuate wounded soldiers#UK #UnitedKingdom #Ukraine #Malloy #UkraineRussiaWar pic.twitter.com/F9knmZuo00
— Ukrainian Witness 🇺🇦 (@warinukraineua) September 11, 2023
Mr Shapps said that meant pilots risked prosecution if sensitive information, including tactics, techniques and procedures about the British military, was shared with any other foreign powers.
“The country’s government has acted decisively after identifying this threat and has made swift changes to legislation to help stop it,” the defence minister added.
Tugendhat: We face threats from foreign countries
British Security Secretary Tom Tugendhat said: “We are facing increasing threats from foreign countries, we have seen in recent years attempts to harm our people, harm our economy, undermine our democracy and we have also seen attempts to obtain national secrets from former members of the British armed forces.
#UK hands over £1.6 million worth of sonars to #Ukraine
According to the UK Ministry of Defense, four sonars will be sent to Ukraine.
This equipment will ensure the safety of the seas around Ukraine and support commercial shipping.
Thank you UK! 🇺🇦♥️🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/p1bOx2Q3uN
— Aurora Borealis 🤫 (@aborealis940) September 12, 2023
“The new law provides our world-class law enforcement and intelligence agencies with new and updated tools to address security challenges and hold those responsible to account,” the security minister added.
