UK Defence Chief Appointment Sparks Controversy Amidst SAS War Crimes Inquiry
The appointment of General Sir Ben Jenkins as the new head of the Royal Navy has sparked controversy amidst an ongoing public inquiry into alleged war crimes by the SAS. According to a report by the BBC, General Jenkins’ predecessor, Admiral Sir Tony Key, was removed from duties while under investigation, with reports suggesting he was suspected of having an affair with a junior colleague.
The BBC reports that General Jenkins joined the Royal Marines in 1990 and has had a distinguished career, serving as a commanding officer in the Special Boat Service (SBS), the naval equivalent of the SAS. He was awarded an OBE for a 12-month deployment to Afghanistan and has held various senior positions, including serving as the prime minister’s military assistant and vice chief of the defence staff.
However, the timing of General Jenkins’ appointment has raised concerns, as it coincides with a judge-led public inquiry into alleged war crimes by the SAS. The inquiry has been investigating claims of unlawful killings, and Afghan commandos who were present on raid operations have been unable to give evidence as they are not in the UK. The BBC notes that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has stated that there is no evidence that it tried to prevent former Afghan troops from giving evidence to the inquiry.
The BBC also reports that General Jenkins did not respond to a request for comment on the matter. In a statement, Defence Secretary John Healey said that General Jenkins’ appointment was "an honour" and that he was "extremely privileged to lead the exceptional sailors and marines of the Royal Navy at this pivotal time for UK Defence". Healey added that General Jenkins’ appointment was a "hugely significant moment for the Royal Navy", as he is the first Royal Marine to be appointed to the role.
General Jenkins’ career has been marked by significant deployments and appointments. He served in Afghanistan and was awarded an OBE for his service. He has also served in the Cabinet Office and has been a strategic advisor to Defence Secretary John Healey since August 2024. The BBC notes that Admiral Sir Tony Key, General Jenkins’ predecessor, was due to retire from his position this summer, and the search for his successor was already underway.
The appointment of General Jenkins as head of the Royal Navy has raised questions about the MoD’s handling of the SAS war crimes inquiry and the potential impact on the investigation. The BBC reports that the inquiry is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how General Jenkins’ appointment will affect the investigation. As the new head of the Royal Navy, General Jenkins will be responsible for leading the service at a time of significant change and challenge.
In response to the controversy surrounding General Jenkins’ appointment, the MoD has stated that it is committed to ensuring that the SAS war crimes inquiry is conducted thoroughly and independently. The BBC notes that the inquiry is expected to continue for several months, and it is hoped that it will provide a full and transparent account of the allegations made against the SAS.
The controversy surrounding General Jenkins’ appointment highlights the challenges faced by the MoD in balancing the need for effective leadership with the need for transparency and accountability. As the BBC reports, the appointment of General Jenkins as head of the Royal Navy has sparked concerns about the MoD’s handling of the SAS war crimes inquiry, and it remains to be seen how the investigation will unfold.
According to the BBC, General Jenkins’ appointment is a significant moment for the Royal Navy, and it is hoped that he will be able to lead the service with integrity and transparency. As the investigation into alleged war crimes by the SAS continues, it is essential that the MoD prioritises accountability and transparency to ensure that justice is served.
The BBC has been informed that General Jenkins will be taking up his new role at a time of significant challenge for the Royal Navy. With a distinguished career in the Royal Marines, General Jenkins is well-placed to lead the service, but the controversy surrounding his appointment has raised questions about the MoD’s handling of the SAS war crimes inquiry.
This article has been informed by reporting from the BBC.
