May under fire for not offering an amnesty to Army veterans

THERESA MAY has been accused by her own backbench MPS of “not getting it” over her Government’s refusal to offer an amnesty for Army veterans facing prosecution over killings in Northern Ireland up to 50 years ago.

An email seen by The Telegraph and circulated among senior Conservative MPS criticises the Prime Minister for failing to introduce a statute of limitations for former soldiers under criminal investigation.

The MPS are understood to have met last night to discuss ways to protect troops facing historic allegations of murder and manslaughter during the Troubles.

In the email written by Johnny Mercer, a former Army captain and Conservative MP for Plymouth Moor View, he complains of his exasperation over hundreds of ex-troops under threat of police investigation for almost 300 killings that took place decades ago.

“I am slightly beyond stern letters and other actions on this,” wrote Mr Mercer. “Theresa May does not get it at all, I am afraid. Meanwhile, these guys suffer a horrendous injustice and will probably die before we clear them.”

He describes their plight as “thoroughly depressing” and urged the defence committee, of which he is a member, to call Mrs May and Gavin Williamson, the Defence Secretary, to give evidence. “My fear is that it may be too late for some,” he adds. Soldiers, in their seventies, have either been charged or face prosecution.

The committee is currently carrying out an inquiry into “how former service personnel can be protected from the spectre of investigation”.

Mr Mercer declined to comment last night.