Army chief’s fear over Troubles

BRITAIN’S most senior military officer yesterday confessed to feeling “uncomfortable” at the prospect of being investigated as part of a probe into “legacy” killings during The Troubles.

General Sir Nick Carter, right, the Chief of the Defence Staff, said the issue is political and needs to be dealt with by politicians.

The head of the Armed Forces served in Northern Ireland as an Army officer during The Troubles and commanded troops in Afghanistan. Four British soldiers have been charged over killings in Northern Ireland dating back as far as 1972, even though they were cleared of wrongdoing at the time. Another 278 cases involving British soldiers also face re-investigation. Yet under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, 500 terrorists were freed from prison early and about 300 suspects were given “letters of comfort” or “on the run” letters guaranteeing they would not be prosecuted.

Prime Minister Theresa May described the existing investigation system as “flawed” due to its “disproportionate focus” on former members of the Armed Forces and police.

Last month, 106 MPs backed a letter to Mrs May urging her to call off the legal witch-hunt.

Sir Nick said: “As a military officer who has done multiple tours in Northern Ireland, I am uncomfortable with the prospect of being investigated.”