Do you agree with our readers? Have your say on these MetroTalk topics and more in the comments.
‘Too often, the chain of command is the problem’
The inquest into the death of Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck should be regarded as a MeToo from the grave (Metro, Tue).
The 19-year-old was found dead at Larkhill Camp. She had been sent thousands of messages by her supervisor, Bdr Ryan Mason, and allegedly pinned down by a senior soldier, WO1 Michael Webber.
Her colleague, Tamzin Hort, said women were subject to ‘disgusting’ comments from colleagues.
Two-thirds of serving women suffered bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination, according to a 2021 parliamentary inquiry chaired by Sarah Atherton MP.
The worst situations, as in the case of Gunner Beck, are when the alleged abusers are of senior rank.
The MoD did not accept the recommendation of the cross-party MPs that cases of sexual abuse that amount to a crime should be investigated and prosecuted by the civilian court system, not by the Service Justice System via the chain of command.
Too often, the chain of command is the problem – where there is power over victims or they’re acting as judge in their own cases. Gwyn, Bristol
The argument for campaigning against miscarriages of justice
‘Can Wes Streeting name a single victim of miscarriage of justice that has been freed without ‘outsiders’ running a campaign’
In responding to those who argue nurse Lucy Letby has been wrongly convicted for the murder of seven infants, health secretary Wes Streeting says campaigning for the release of people believed to have been jailed in a miscarriage of justice is ‘not the right thing to do’ (Metro, Tue).
In which case, can he name a single victim of a miscarriage of justice that has been freed without ‘outsiders’ running a campaign? George, via email
Scrutiny of the courts is a sign of true democracy
‘The political establishment repeatedly uses emotive claims to manipulate the public’
The recent Post Office and Andrew Malkinson cases prompt us to raise concerns about other potential miscarriages of justice.
Scrutiny of the courts is something that happens in a true democracy, fear of criticising the courts happens in authoritarian regimes.
Wes Streeting asks us to ‘consider those grieving parents who’ve lost their babies’ but surely it can’t bring comfort to them that the real cause of their babies’ deaths is unclear. The political establishment repeatedly uses emotive claims such as this to manipulate the public. Kathy Lewis, London
Choices of Labour to remember
‘These too, should not be forgotten when we get to the next election.’
Julie (MetroTalk, Tue) criticises the ‘choices’ Labour have made and says that they should not be forgotten at the next election.
A suite of protections within the renters’ rights bill for vulnerable renters was a choice. A much-needed housing drive that will see 1.5million homes built is a choice.
Planning regulations loosened for onshore wind farms and sustainable energy is a choice.
Abolishing hereditary peers is a choice. Breathing fresh life into rail through nationalisation is a choice.
Much-needed devolution for our regions is a choice. Successfully delivering an extra two million NHS appointments between July and November last year was a choice.
These too, should not be forgotten when we get to the next election. Yann, Manchester
