‘I’ll end witch-hunt of Ulster veterans’

BORIS Johnson has vowed to end the witch-hunt against Northern Ireland veterans and review the HS2 high-speed rail link as he prepares to embark on a policy blitz as soon as he enters No 10.

Sources close to the new PM said he will use his speech on the steps of Downing Street this afternoon to kickstart his domestic agenda.

Ahead of his first day in office, Mr Johnson yesterday began laying out a slew of policies – declaring that his priorities would include education, infrastructure and policing.

He also wants a super-fast, full-fibre broadband service ‘for all by 2025’.

Mr Johnson told the 1922 committee of backbenchers that it was time to ‘put a stop’ to the prosecution of British troops over historic incidents during the Troubles.

According to one of those present, he said: ‘This issue cropped up again and again in the hustings around the country. Unless there is absolutely compelling new evidence, it is totally wrong that these people who served their country should be investigated and reinvestigated.

‘When I am Prime Minister, I am going to put a stop to it.’

Mr Johnson’s commitment was welcomed last night by MPs who have been campaigning on the issue.

Former armed forces minister Mark Francois said: ‘We all know this has gone on for too long and our Prime Minister-elect was unequivocal that he will end this practice.’

Mr Johnson was also asked at the meeting to scrap HS2. But he declined, saying instead that he planned to hold a review of the high-speed rail link.

The project has been criticised for its spiralling costs, which it is now thought could be some £30billion more than expected.