Veterans’ fate over Troubles deaths known in months

BRITISH Army veterans who served in Northern Ireland will know within months whether they will face a police investigation over any unresolved deaths during the Troubles.

Under plans agreed by ministers from Britain, Ireland and Stormont, a new independent body will review all deaths within two years to help the families of victims end vexatious claims against veterans.

Brandon Lewis, the Northern Ireland Secretary, said: “The Government will ensure that the investigations which are necessary are effective and thorough, but quick, so we are able to move beyond the cycle of investigations that has, to date, undermined attempts to come to terms with the past.

“Only cases in which there is a realistic prospect of a prosecution, as a result of new compelling evidence, would proceed to a full police investigation and if necessary, prosecution.

“Cases which do not reach this threshold, or subsequently are not referred for prosecution, would be closed, and no further investigations or prosecutions would be possible – though family reports would still be provided to the victims’ loved ones.”

He said he wants to “triage” the load so that deaths involving British servicemen are completed within a few months. Ministers are trying to strike a balance between the demands for justice and pressure from Army veterans and MPS to prevent what they see as unwarranted prosecutions.

Sources said that about 200 of the deaths involved UK service personnel.

Final plans will be put before MPS to debate within the next few weeks.