Ministers ‘no help’ in troop witch-hunts

AN Army major being investigated for the eighth time over the death of an Iraqi 16 years ago last night accused ministers of using soldiers as ‘political fodder’.

Major Robert Campbell, 46, also criticised generals for ‘doing nothing to help’ as hundreds of troops were quizzed over their actions more than a decade ago.

Maj Campbell and his comrades have been repeatedly cleared over the drowning of Said Shabram, 19, in 2003. His case is currently being examined by the Iraq Fatality Investigations team – despite pledges that such probes would stop.

The inquest-style hearing is effectively on hold after the death of retired High Court judge Sir George Newman, who was leading it.

Maj Campbell, who suffers from PTSD, hearing loss and multiple physical injuries, said: ‘Generals and the ministers all sat on their hands while their own soldiers had their careers, marriages, mental health and reputations destroyed.’

His comments came after Boris Johnson unveiled Britain’s first dedicated veterans’ office – led by Paymaster General Oliver Dowden, who sits in cabinet, and former Army officer Johnny Mercer.

Maj Campbell said he was ‘cautiously’ hopeful it would help end the witch-hunts. The Mail has campaigned to put an end to the hounding of troops who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland.