A new policy brief from the Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights calls for urgent reforms to improve accountability and parliamentary oversight of UK Special Forces (UKSF) amid recurring allegations of civilian harm. Accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and war crimes committed by military forces, including Special Forces, is essential to uphold public trust, deter future violations, and protect civilian rights.
UKSF are unique within the British military and the broader UK defence, security, and intelligence framework, as they operate without external, parliamentary oversight. Allegations of excessive force and civilian killings have shadowed UKSF for decades and systematic attempts to cover up wrongdoing have been reported. In response to alleged unlawful activities by UKSF in Afghanistan, the UK government established an independent inquiry in December 2022 chaired by Lord Justice Sir Charles Haddon-Cave. Although the inquiry is ongoing, serious shortcomings in existing accountability mechanisms have been acknowledged.
The policy brief Strengthening parliamentary oversight of UK Special Forces, released today, highlights the consequences of the lack of external oversight and the systemic failures of internal justice mechanisms in holding UKSF accountable. It also compares the UK’s approach to its allies, who have successfully implemented some degree of external oversight over their special forces without compromising military effectiveness.
Following the launch of the Strategic Defence Review by the Prime Minister in July, Ceasefire urges the UK government to take action to ensure that all alleged violations by UKSF are investigated and, where necessary, the individuals concerned prosecuted in accordance with the UK’s obligations under international law. Key recommendations include establishing a parliamentary select committee dedicated to Special Forces issues, relaxing the ‘No Comment’ policy on matters regarding the use of Special Forces, and amending the UK’s legal framework to enable greater informational transparency on UKSF operations, alleged misconduct and investigatory processes.
