PM’s vow over ex-soldiers and ‘unfair prosecution’

The law and order package includes a Bill to “drastically” increase the sentences for foreign criminals who return to the UK in breach of a deportation order, a move ministers say will help disrupt the activities of international crime gangs.

Proposed legislation will make it easier for police to arrest internationally wanted fugitives who are the subject of an Interpol Red Notice without the need to apply for a UK arrest warrant.

The programme includes a “Helen’s Law” Bill, named after 22-year-old Helen McCourt who was murdered in 1988, to deny parole to murderers who withhold information about their victims.

The Government will also bring back the Domestic Abuse Bill which fell as a result of Mr Johnson’s unlawful suspension of Parliament last month. BORIS Johnson has insisted he is committed to protecting British military veterans from “unfair prosecution”.

The Prime Minister’s pledge to bring forward legislation came amid claims from a DUP MP that a Whitehall department is trying to “placate” Sinn Fein rather than protect soldiers who served here during the Troubles.

Conservative former Army officer Bob Stewart pressed Mr Johnson on the matter during the Queen’s Speech debate.

He also referred to the case of Dennis Hutchings, who has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder of a man with learning difficulties during the Troubles.

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Stewart said: “There was no mention in the Queen’s Speech about looking after our veteran soldiers from Northern Ireland and I know (Mr Johnson) intends to do that, so what are we going to do because it’s urgent in the case of Dennis Hutchings?”

Mr Johnson replied: “We will be bringing forward legislation to protect serving and former serving personnel.”

He later told MPs: “This Government understands that no one can escape justice for a crime that they have committed.

“But we also understand that there should be no unfair prosecution when no new evidence has been produced.”

DUP MP Sammy Wilson added: “Could he give us an assurance that the legislation to protect members of the armed forces will include those who served in Northern Ireland and he will not be detracted from that by the Northern Ireland Office — who have tried to placate Sinn Fein rather than protect soldiers?”

Mr Johnson repeated his earlier remarks in response.