SAS veterans will not face vexatious legal actions if the Government’s Troubles Bill is passed into law, Sir Keir Starmer has pledged.
The Special Air Service Regimental Association, which represents serving and former special forces troops, has sent a letter to Hilary Benn, the Northern Ireland Secretary, warning that the legislation does not provide adequate safeguards for veterans.
They are concerned after Labour axed plans to implement the former Conservative government’s Legacy Act, which granted immunity to troops who had served in Northern Ireland.
The Government’s new plan includes a commission to investigate Troubles-related killings, which critics have warned will expose veterans to “vexatious” legal claims and could result in elderly former soldiers being hounded through the courts.
When asked at the G20 summit in South Africa, the Prime Minister said: “I’m absolutely confident that there will be no vexatious prosecutions”
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PA
Pressed on the concerns by reporters at the G20 summit in South Africa, the Prime Minister said: “I’m absolutely confident that there will be no vexatious prosecutions.
“That is because the legislation carefully sets out the balance that must be struck, and particular protections for veterans who served, in terms of the approach, the process and the protections we have put in place for them.
“So I am absolutely clear that we have got the right balance in the legislation, and there will not be vexatious prosecutions.”