The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Our veterans deserve protection
Peterborough has a strong military tradition. Many former members of our armed forces live in our city, including veterans of various conflicts stretching back to the Second World War.
We owe them all a great deal. One group, sometimes overlooked, are soldiers who served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.
Things are finally looking brighter in Northern Ireland. The parties there have agreed to work together again and re-establish the Northern Ireland Executive. The Prime Minister and Julian Smith deserve huge credit for bringing both sides back around the table.
But so-called ‘legacy issues’ from the Troubles remain a problem, with feelings running deep in each community. Feelings run deep here too. Historical allegations have been used to hound army veterans, with some repeatedly facing vexatious claims.
This witch-hunt must end. Tragically, only a few days ago, one former soldier took his own life. His friends believe the pressure of being investigated was a contributory factor.
The Conservative manifesto was clear. It states: “We will introduce new legislation to tackle the vexatious legal claims that undermine our Armed Forces and further incorporate the Armed Forces Covenant into law”.
Boris has already created an Office of Veterans’ Affairs, headed by my excellent colleague, Johnny Mercer MP. Jonny is himself an Afghanistan veteran and has campaigned on these issues for many years.
Action is being taken, despite complications. These complications include the agreements reached by previous governments. Under Tony Blair, Labour granted ‘Letters of Comfort’ to more than 150 alleged IRA terrorists. In effect, they cannot be prosecuted.
Yet our veterans have no protection. Over 700 members of the British Army were killed by the IRA and other nationalist paramilitaries in Northern Ireland. Over 250,000 served and many veterans are now elderly. The Troubles began in 1969, over half a century ago.
Under the terms struck by Blair and subsequently, Sinn Fein are adamant that all incidents related to the actions of British soldiers (a total of around 300 deaths, many of identified terrorists) continue to be reopened and reinvestigated.
Conservative MPs have long argued that an endless process of investigation is unacceptable and counterproductive. The House of Commons Defence Select Committee has looked at the issue twice, recommending alternative ways forward.
One of those proposals is a Qualified Statute of Limitations, which would set a deadline for reopening a case without compelling new evidence. This would prevent vexatious actions, drawing a line under events of the past.
Each autumn, we reflect on the fallen and the service of those who have defended our country. Last November, I was honoured to be part of the procession to Peterborough Cathedral.
The wreaths are poignant, representing more than just the poppies that grew on the battlefields when the trenches fell silent. They represent every conflict and we honour every veteran, including those still with us.
Without their sacrifice, we would have nothing. Without the service of the British Army in Northern Ireland – alongside that of the Royal Ulster Constabulary – we would never have reached a moment like the Good Friday Agreement. There would be no peace in Northern Ireland.
It certainly has nothing to do with Jeremy Corbyn, whatever the pretensions of the IRA sympathisers who make up the leadership of today’s Labour Party.
It’s time that our veterans were protected. We owe them no less!