Ministers accused of hiding numbers of ex-Forces prisoners

No Offence said multiple research studies examined recently showed military veterans comprised at least 10 per cent of the overall prison population in England and Wales.

The Ministry of Defence denied the claim and said the figure was 3.4 per cent.

Chief executive Sue Clifford said there were an estimated 3,000 charities and groups providing support for former troops but a better joined-up approach was needed.

She also said that with 20,000 troops returning to civilian life because of defence cuts, the number of ex-servicemen behind bars could increase further.

“More needs to happen – it is the tip of iceberg,” she said.

“We estimate that 10 per cent of prisoners are military veterans, from samples of the prison population.

“We believe the cuts will have a significant effect on prison numbers as thousands of troops return to civvy street before they were anticipating – so they have not had a chance to plan.

“The current prison system shows that only 3.4 per cent of prisoners are military veterans, which under acknowledges the figure.

“The data captured when people go into prison is not accurate, as people do not talk about their former role unless asked.

“Some veterans, even when asked, do not say as there is huge pride associated with being in the military.”

Trevor Philpott, a Royal Marines officers for 34 years and founder of the Veterans Change Partnership, said: “There is a sense that the Government is reluctant to address the true figures: if there was the slightest admission of combat causing mental health problems, there is a fear of legal action.”

A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said: “The vast majority of personnel who leave the Armed Forces each year make a successful transition to civilian life.”