Labour Defence Minister Accused of Being "Clueless" Over British Army Sex Abuse Scandal
British Army Labour defence minister Luke Pollard was left struggling to answer questions about a sex abuse scandal involving the British Army. Pollard appeared to be unaware of the investigation opened by Wiltshire Police into alleged abuse of army recruits between 1970 and 2016. The investigation, dubbed Operation Pianora, has been scaled up to involve police forces across the country due to the potential number of victims.
Key Takeaways:
- Luke Pollard, Labour defence minister, was unable to answer questions about a sex abuse scandal involving the British Army, sparking accusations of being "clueless".
- The investigation, led by Wiltshire Police, is looking into alleged abuse of army recruits between 1970 and 2016, with multiple perpetrators and "several locations" involved.
- Operation Pianora has been scaled up to involve police forces across the country, with potential victims encouraged to come forward.
- Johnny Mercer, former Conservative veterans minister, criticised Pollard, stating "he is clueless".
- James MacCleary, Liberal Democrats' defence spokesman, added that it is "outrageous" that the defence minister is unaware of the scandal plaguing the armed forces community for decades.
- Defence sources claim the use of the police operation's name added confusion to the interview, but a Ministry of Defence spokeswoman stated that Pollard is "fully aware" of the investigation and has shared an update.
Statistics:
- The investigation, Operation Pianora, is looking into alleged abuse of army recruits between 1970 and 2016.
- Multiple perpetrators are involved in the alleged abuse.
- "Several locations" in the UK are being investigated as part of the inquiry.
- Police forces across the country are being mobilised to receive potential victims.
- 46 years (1970-2016) is the time period being investigated.
Sources:
- Tommy Schultz, The Telegraph
- Nick Ferrari, LBC radio show
- Wiltshire Police