BY NICK BRAMALL

My father, Field Marshal Lord Edwin Bramall (pictured), was a dedicated public servant who led a life of distinction and public service: he served during WWII, participating in the Normandy landings in June 1944 and served with the 2nd Battalion of his regiment in Northwest Europe during the later stages of the war, receiving the Military Cross in 1945.

He subsequently became Chief of the Defence Staff (1982-1985) and served in the House of Lords for 26 years.

I cannot think of a more dedicated public servant. 

This is why my family and I were horrified when he was tragically ensnared in the web of lies spun by Carl Beech. The impact of these baseless allegations on our family cannot be overstated. Our lives were thrown into disarray when the Metropolitan Police invaded our home and privacy in pursuit of what any reasonable person would have recognised as incredulous claims. Indeed, my father said, “I can honestly say however I was never as badly wounded in all my time in the military as I have been by the allegations made by [Beech] that formed the basis of Operation Midland.” 

In the aftermath of this ordeal, my family and I have been left grappling with profound questions about the handling of such investigations. We are eager to understand what measures the government has considered to prevent similar injustices from occurring in the future. We seek reassurance that the Metropolitan Police have undertaken substantive reforms to ensure that such miscarriages of justice never happen again.

^{Carl Beech}

Harvey Proctor, too, found himself unjustly targeted by these unfounded allegations. Through his unwavering resolve and determination, he has fought tirelessly to expose the flaws in the investigative process. His courage and commitment to holding the establishment to account are qualities deserving of recognition.

^{Harvey Proctor}

My family and I are indebted to Mr Proctor, such that we invited both him and Lady Diana Brittan to my father’s memorial service in Winchester last year. 

His ongoing campaign to hold the Metropolitan Police and the Independent Office for Police Conduct to account is a noble one and should be recognised. He has also been instrumental in defending the reputation of my father. 

This is why it is my firm belief, shared by my family, that Mr Proctor’s decency and dedication warrant acknowledgement in the form of a peerage. My father, were he still with us, would undoubtedly lend his support to this cause. Thus, I have written to the Prime Minister urging him to prioritise a meeting with Mr Proctor to discuss his elevation without delay.

Granting Mr Proctor a peerage would not only honour his steadfast public service but also allow him to be the voice within the walls of Westminster against the scourge of false allegations that continue to plague our society, to coincide with his position as President of Falsely Accused Carers and Teachers (FACT).

Moreover, I must express my family’s dismay at the recent elevation of Tom Watson. Such actions only serve to compound the injustices suffered by individuals like my father and Mr. Proctor. It is incumbent upon the Conservative Party to respond appropriately to this affront.

In the wake of Alan Bates justly receiving a knighthood, it is incumbent on the establishment to take swift and decisive action to rectify injustices and honour individuals like Harvey Proctor and Sir Alan who have both shown remarkable fortitude in the face of adversity. Time is of the essence, and I urge the Prime Minister to seize this opportunity to right the wrongs of the past.