Jeremy Corbyn target practice film soldiers disciplined

  • Published
Media caption,

Four soldiers appear to fire shots in a video posted on social media

Soldiers filmed using a Jeremy Corbyn poster for target practice have been disciplined, but not sacked.

The video showed servicemen from the Colchester-based Parachute Regiment in a shooting range, believed to be in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the behaviour was "not fitting of the high standards we expect".

When the footage was posted on social media, Mr Corbyn said he was shocked and called for an investigation.

The short clip showed four paratroopers in uniform firing before the camera panned to the target, a large portrait of the Labour leader.

Image caption,

The picture of Jeremy Corbyn had several bullet holes in it

The four soldiers seen firing, as well as the soldier filming, received reprimands with two being demoted, according to The Sun, external.

An MoD spokeswoman said: "The Army has carried out a thorough investigation into this incident and has implemented disciplinary action against the individuals found guilty of misconduct.

"This behaviour was not fitting of the high standards we expect of our personnel, and we are always prepared to take action when our procedures are not adhered to correctly."

'Concern for democracy'

A Labour spokesman said: "This behaviour was clearly unacceptable and it is right that the Ministry of Defence has taken action.

"A culture of political violence has been whipped up by some politicians and sections of the media, and has to stop.

"Breaches of impartiality of public institutions are a matter of concern for our democracy."

It is not known when the footage was filmed, but it is believed the clip first circulated on Snapchat before being posted on Twitter.