Robert Brown calls for answers on support for Scotland's veterans

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 2nd Oct 2009

Glasgow Liberal Democrat MSP Robert Brown has written to the Justice Secretary raising concerns over the possible number of veterans in Scottish prisons.

Reports out this week estimate that 20,000 veterans are in the UK criminal justice system, with 8,500 behind bars - almost one in 10 of the prison population.

The reports suggest that the proportion of those in prison who are veterans has risen by more than 30% in the last five years across the UK.

Mr Brown wants to know what the figures for Scotland are and what SNP Ministers are doing to tackle this challenge.

Mr Brown said:

"For ex-servicemen to account for one in ten of the UK's prison population is deeply worrying. Our troops have suffered horrendous dangers and pressures in recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the toll of injury, both physical and traumatic, is often overlooked.

"These figures raise serious concerns over how well our ex-service men and women are supported in reintegrating into society after they leave the forces.

"I want to know what the figures are for Scotland. There are probably more Scottish servicemen per head of population than there are in England and Wales, so the percentage of ex servicemen in prison could be even higher.

"The UK figures suggest there might be up to about 1,000 in Scottish prisons.

"No one is suggesting that those found guilty of crimes should be punished differently from any other criminal. But we need to know why such a high proportion of our veterans are getting into trouble on return from service.

"Ex-service men and women put their lives on the line to help defend and protect our country. The Governments in both Edinburgh and London should be making sure they are properly supported in returning to civilian life."

Ends.