Prime Minister Confident Bill Will Protect Veterans
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stated he is 'absolutely confident' that the proposed Northern Ireland Troubles legislation will not result in 'vexatious prosecutions' of former soldiers. This declaration comes amidst a looming legal challenge from veterans' groups concerned about the lack of protections in the new reforms.
Veterans' Groups Threaten Legal Action
The government's proposals, which had their second reading in the House of Commons this week, involve creating a commission to investigate Troubles-related killings and a separate information recovery body. However, the SAS Regimental Association, representing SAS and its veterans, has threatened legal action. They argue the Bill offers barely any new safeguards for former armed service personnel, police, and security service members beyond existing protections for criminal investigations and inquests.
Speaking to reporters while travelling to the G20 summit in South Africa, Sir Keir defended the legislation. He emphasised that the Bill 'carefully sets out the balance that must be struck' and includes specific protections for veterans in its approach and process.
Broader Impact on Military Morale and National Security
The controversy has had tangible consequences. Last week, it was revealed there has been a dramatic drop-off in Army officers applying to join the SAS due to fears of legal action. Furthermore, on Friday, it emerged that eight highly experienced Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) have resigned in the last three months, citing the same issue.
A recently retired SAS soldier, speaking anonymously, described the personal toll: 'Some of our finest servicemen and women are resigning... Having been arrested and humiliated in front of my family on a number of occasions, on charges that were nothing more than rumour, I know first-hand the damage this is doing.' He warned that the proposed Bill diminishes trust and poses a direct threat to national security.
This sentiment was echoed by nine four-star generals who wrote to the Prime Minister, accusing him of undermining the Army's effectiveness and creating a 'national security threat'. General Sir Nick Parker stated the legislation could make military personnel fearful of future legal claims, potentially risking their own lives.
The context of this fear is rooted in past cases like that of Soldier F, a former paratrooper who was tried over events on Bloody Sunday in 1972. After a five-week trial without a jury, he was cleared of all charges, with the judge criticising the prosecution's evidence. The Mail has reported that as many as a hundred SAS veterans from the Troubles era still face the possibility of further inquests and criminal investigations.
Sir Keir's administration aims to replace parts of the previous Conservative government's Legacy Act, which shut down all UK police investigations into Troubles-related killings in May last year and included a contentious conditional immunity offer for perpetrators.
