UK government reviews why police ceding criminal cases to US military
The UK government and police chiefs are reviewing why police have transferred criminal investigations involving US military personnel on UK soil to US military courts. The review follows revelations that victims may receive fewer protections under the US military court‑martial system than in British courts, highlighted by the case of Capt Jacob Wulfson. Ministers have pledged to examine guidance and engage with the US to ensure appropriate handling of such cases in the future.
- ▪UK authorities are examining the practice of ceding jurisdiction to US military investigators after a Guardian report highlighted several cases.
- ▪In the case of Capt Jacob Wulfson, a US fighter pilot was tried by a US court‑martial in Suffolk, receiving a six‑month sentence for strangulation but being acquitted of sexual assault.
- ▪Victims of alleged sexual offences by US personnel argue that the Uniform Code of Military Justice defines rape more narrowly than UK law, leading to lesser charges.
- ▪Home Office and justice ministers have met with the victim, Sarah Steele, and pledged to review guidance with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and press the US for a full account.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — UK |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jul/30/uk-ministers-police-justice-review-us-military |
| Publication time | Thu, 30 Jul 2026 05:00:54 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-07-30T05:09:00.891Z |
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Complainants are often not given the same protections in the US military court martial process as they would have got in a British court. Illustration: Guardian Design/GettyView image in fullscreenComplainants are often not given the same protections in the US military court martial process as they would have got in a British court. Illustration: Guardian Design/GettyBase justicePoliceUK government reviews why police ceding criminal cases to US militaryExclusive: ministers and police chiefs examining how cases involving US military personnel on UK soil are handled after Guardian revelationsHarry Davies, Rob Evans, Emine Sinmaz and Louisa LoveluckThu 30 Jul 2026 01.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe UK government and police chiefs are reviewing the process through which US…
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