Controversy erupts over Labour agreement potentially leading to increased prosecution of Ulster veterans
The British government's recent agreement with the Irish government, announced at Hillsborough Castle near Belfast, has sparked criticism from veterans and former politicians. The deal, which aims to end immunity for terrorists and provide six "protections and rights" for veterans, has been met with dismay by those who served during the Troubles.
Former Tory MP Johnny Mercer, who introduced the Tories' 2023 Legislation that halted many civil cases and inquests, expressed disappointment over the new deal, stating it was a walk-back of gains made for veterans over the previous five years. The legislation had offered conditional immunity for those accused of Troubles crimes.
One such case involves a daring SAS mission to prevent IRA troops targeting the Loughgall police station in 1987, where eight terrorists were killed and republican groups complained about insufficient opportunity for surrender. The new deal could potentially reopen cases like this, with soldiers who are now in their 60s and 70s facing fresh inquiries leading to criminal charges decades after the events in question.
Tory defence spokesman James Cartlidge warned that Labour's announcement could lead to a new wave of vexatious legal actions against veterans, potentially affecting Army morale. Lt Col Richard Williams, a former SAS commanding officer and Ulster veteran, expressed his displeasure, stating that the deal is another hard punch in the face for veterans and more sovereignty being lost. The only people happy with this will be Sinn Fein/IRA and the lawyers.
Ex-SAS reservist and Tory backbencher Sir David Davis described the move as a path to 'victory for the IRA'. He stated that one such inquest, likely concerning the events at Loughgall, could be read as a victory for the IRA. Paul Young, a former member of the Blues and Royals who works with the Northern Ireland Veterans Movement, called the plans a 'betrayal of those who served with honor during the Troubles and a distortion of justice for victims of terrorism'.
The High Court in Belfast declared the Tories' 2023 Legislation unlawful last November. The Daily Mail's Stop The SAS Betrayal campaign aims to improve human rights for soldiers, with over 200,000 people signing a petition calling for veterans to be protected from persecution. However, the new deal seems to contradict these efforts, leaving many veterans disheartened.
Former Lance Corporal Soldier F, currently on trial for his involvement in the 1972 Bloody Sunday killings in Londonderry, was charged prior to the 2023 Act. The name of the soldier involved in the famous 1987 Loughgall operation, whose case could be reopened, is yet to be specified.
The new Troubles deal between Britain and Ireland is being criticized by veterans as a 'betrayal'. The agreement ends immunity for veterans, which could lead to a new wave of legal actions against them, potentially affecting Army morale.
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