Cabinet split over Troubles amnesty refusal

BRITISH from prosecution troops will for be deaths denied during amnesty the Troubles under Government proposals that have caused a Cabinet split.

A consultation document being drawn up by the Northern Ireland Office on how to handle historic killings will rule out protection for Armed Forces veterans. Campaigners had wanted a statute of limitations imposed that would have ruled out what they think is a “witch hunt” against veterans who now fear prosecution for deaths committed almost 50 years ago.

Two former British paratroopers, who cannot be identified, are already to stand trial for the murder of an Official IRA commander in Belfast 46 years ago, while Dennis Hutchings, 77, another veteran, has been charged with attempted murder over the death of a man with learning difficulties in 1974. Karen Bradley, the Northern Ireland Secretary, disclosed to Cabinet colleagues her proposals for conducting historic investigations into offences during the Troubles that included ruling out a time limit on prosecutions of servicemen, many of whom are in their 70s.

The Daily Telegraph has been told that four Cabinet colleagues expressed misgivings, led by Gavin Williamson, the

Defence Secretary, along with Liam Fox, Boris Johnson and David Davis.

Mr Williamson is understood to have expressed his “grave concern” that the refusal to give an amnesty would lead to a witch hunt of Northern Ireland veterans. The issue is problematic, with any time limit on prosecutions in Northern Ireland opposed by both Sinn Fein – which wants to see soldiers held to account for alleged unlawful killings – and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

The DUP insists that an amnesty for troops in Northern Ireland would be used by former IRA terrorists. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, the DUP MP, said: “If you put a statute of limitations into Northern Ireland legislation then immediately you will get IRA terrorists seeking to be covered. We want UK legislation that would also cover conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.”

But a number of Conservative MPS are appalled that troops continue to be investigated. Johnny Mercer, a former Army captain and member of the defence committee that published a report into the pursuit of troops over Iraqi deaths, said: “I’m afraid this is not acceptable, it’s as simple as that.”

Alan Barry, who runs Justice for Northern Ireland Veterans, said: “It is tragic that the Government is not even willing to consider a statute of limitations.” Over the past year, a possible amnesty has won support amid claims the prosecutions of former British soldiers are tantamount to a witch hunt.