Ex-UUP MP demands an amnesty for soldiers who served here

FORMER Ulster Unionist MP Danny Kinahan has co-signed a letter calling for an amnesty for soldiers who served in Northern Ireland to be included in the upcoming Queen’s Speech.

A number of former soldiers are currently facing Troubles-related prosecutions.

The former South Antrim MP, who now sits on Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, served for eight years in the Blues and Royals Regiment, rising to the rank of captain.

The letter was signed by a number of MPs and Army personnel including General Lord Dannatt, General Lord Ramsbotham, Colonel Bob Stewart MP and Mark Francois MP.

It said that it was “time to stop hounding former soldiers for alleged misconduct on operations in Northern Ireland and elsewhere decades ago”.

“Consultation and prevarication have gone on for too long. The Queen’s Speech on October 14 must include a clause that will initiate a bill in parliament to protect those who have faithfully served our country,” the letter read.

“Over the last years hundreds of former soldiers have marched on parliament and more than 150 peers and MPs have signed a letter to 10 Downing Street demanding action.”

The letter said that the Queen’s Speech was the right time to bring forward the legislation.

“No one is above the law but there now must be a law to protect those whose selfless service has been to uphold the law,” it read.

“The prime minister has promised action — he must now make good his promise. The Queen’s Speech is his opportunity.”

During the Tory leadership campaign Boris Johnson pledged to end the “unfair” prosecutions of Army veterans who served in Northern Ireland if he became Prime Minister.

In August Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said no Troubles veterans should be prosecuted unless there is new evidence.