Soldiers disciplined after using picture of Corbyn for target practice
Written by News on 04/07/2019
Five soldiers who used a photo of Jeremy Corbyn for target practice have been disciplined but not sacked.
The Ministry of Defence admitted their behaviour was “not fitting of the high standards we expect”.
Labour said the actions of the soldiers were “clearly unacceptable” and hit out at a “culture of political violence” whipped up by politicians and sections of the media.
An investigation was launched in April into the conduct of the group from 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment, after they were filmed in Kabul shooting at a picture of the Labour leader.
Four were filmed firing non-lethal practice rounds at the image in an indoor range.
All of them, along with the colleague who filmed it, were disciplined.
It is understood two of the soldiers have been demoted.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “The Army has carried out a thorough investigation into this incident and has implemented disciplinary action against the individuals found guilty of misconduct.
“This behaviour was not fitting of the high standards we expect of our personnel, and we are always prepared to take action when our procedures are not adhered to correctly.”
A Labour spokesman said: “This behaviour was clearly unacceptable and it is right that the Ministry of Defence has taken action.
“A culture of political violence has been whipped up by some politicians and sections of the media, and has to stop.
“Breaches of impartiality of public institutions are a matter of concern for our democracy.
“Jeremy Corbyn has always said that disagreements in politics must be conducted in a respectful way.”
(c) Sky News 2019: Soldiers disciplined after using picture of Corbyn for target practice
