Broadcast earlier this week, the BBC’s hour-long documentary ‘Britain’s Private War’ investigates the UK’s armed private security industry.
To be repeated this evening (4 October) on BBC Two Scotland at 11.50 pm, the programme highlights how former servicemen are dying in Iraq and Afghanistan but there’s little public knowledge of their deaths.
BBC reporter Sam Poling talked to private security contractors in a sector in which multi-million pound contracts are up for grabs, but where it’s feared some companies are placing profits before the lives of those on the ground.
The programme also examines the case of a Scottish former Royal Marine murdered in Iraq by a colleague who, it’s alleged, wasn’t properly vetted by the company employing him.
‘Britain’s Private War’ was developed after Poling and BBC producer Liam McDougall worked alongside several private security contractors for documentaries in Iraq and Pakistan, as well as criminal investigations in the UK.
“It seemed strange to know that there was no official database for those contractors who had lost their lives,” said Poling. “There was no formal regulation of the industry which meant there was no mandatory vetting of those involved. Other programmes have been made about the industry but, for the first time, ‘Britain’s Private War’ gives a voice to the contractors on the ground.”
Interviews with leading commentators
The documentary features interviews with a range of individuals, including the families of contractors killed in Iraq.
Offering their considered opinions are Sir William Pater (former Ambassador to Iraq and Afghanistan), Bob Shepherd (former private security contractor and author of The Circuit), Bill Freear (the managing director of risk management specialist Pilgrims Group) and Dr Chris Kinsey, specialist in international security studies at King’s College, London.
The documentary took six months in the making and also followed a group of recruits who were training to be PSCs. The programme makers followed them to Poland and watched them undergo the live firing training.
“The programme raises serious issues, and it was important that we had a voice which was representative of the professional and honest side of the industry,” continued Poling.
During conversations with many contractors, one company name was mentioned on more than one occasion – that of Pilgrims Group.
“The fact Pilgrims Group has a 100% safety record was important and, having spoken with many in the industry, it seemed clear that Pilgrims’ managing director Bill Freear is highly respected and holds a reputation for professionalism. When the team contacted the APPF in Kabul, one of the companies recommended as being among the best was Pilgrims.”
Total professionalism, focus on safety
The BBC team interviewed Freear about his experiences both as a contractor and as the managing director of Pilgrims, a company which operates worldwide protecting businesses and their interests. He spoke of his frustration with companies who continue to attract the big money contracts despite cutting corners, and says it can be difficult to remain principled in the industry.
To his great credit, Freear is adamant that he will never compromise the professionalism and safety ethos of his company to secure a contract.
“Business is about delivering a service that delights your customer at a price they accept as reasonable,” asserted Freear. “When the risk is potential loss of life, there should be no short cuts. Financial pressures can drive businesses to make the wrong choices on price versus service. If budgets must be lowered, finding smarter ways to operate rather than selecting a cheaper supplier is the prudent choice. It’s our ability to recommend and explain the right solution to our clients that perhaps sets us apart, and has produced the track record and reputation we have.”
BBC journalist Poling went on to state: “Pilgrims was going to accompany our team in Afghanistan. However, due to time constraints this wasn’t possible. Bill Freear’s interview was used to illustrate the fact that there are very professional companies operating in the industry.”
The programme was initially broadcast on BBC Two Scotland on 1 October. Viewers outside of Scotland can watch the documentary at any time during the next seven days by accessing BBC i-Player