Controversy over Labour agreement potentially leading to increased prosecution of Ulster veterans
Britain and Ireland Agree to Resume Inquests on Troubles Cases, Stirring Controversy
In a move that has sparked controversy and concern among veterans, the British government and the Irish government have reached an agreement that will see new inquests on cases previously halted under the 2023 Legislation commence. This decision, announced at Hillsborough Castle near Belfast, could potentially lead to more soldiers who served in Northern Ireland being brought to court.
The 2023 Legislation, introduced by Tory MP Johnny Mercer, had halted many civil cases and inquests, offering conditional immunity for those accused of Troubles crimes. However, the High Court in Belfast declared the legislation unlawful last November, paving the way for this recent agreement.
The announcement has been a bitter blow to veterans who had hoped for an end to persecutions over operations against terrorists decades ago. Lt Col Richard Williams, a former SAS commanding officer and Ulster veteran, expressed his disappointment, stating this is another hard punch in the face for veterans and yet more sovereignty being lost.
One such operation that could potentially be reopened is the Loughgall incident, where a daring SAS operation against IRA terrorists resulted in eight terrorists being killed on May 8, 1987. In this mission, troops stopped a digger truck carrying explosives in its bucket.
The Daily Mail's Stop The SAS Betrayal campaign is calling for veterans to be protected from persecution, with over 200,000 people signing a petition. Tory MP Johnny Mercer and James Cartlidge, Tory defence spokesman, have both expressed disappointment over the government's actions, stating it was a walk back of gains made for veterans over the past five years.
The new agreement ends immunity for terrorists and puts in place six 'protections and rights' for veterans. However, it also means that soldiers who are now in their 60s and 70s could face fresh inquiries leading to criminal charges decades after the events in question.
Ex-SAS reservist and Tory backbencher Sir David Davis described the move as a path to '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'.
Notably, 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 new agreement could potentially see more veterans facing similar charges.
The agreement follows Labour's commitment to repeal the Conservatives' 2023 Legislation. The exact implications of this decision remain to be seen, but it is clear that it has stirred strong reactions among veterans and their supporters. The question now is whether this move will bring closure to the victims of terrorism or further pain to those who served to protect the country during the Troubles.
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