Talk of terrorist amnesty attacked

Gavin Williamson’ s apparent suggestion that ira terrorists be given an amnesty has sparked opposition from unionists in Northern Ireland.

The Defence Secretary reportedly wrote to Theresa May, urging her to create a “statute of limitations” for offences during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, in the wake of new plans to examine criminal cases.

The suggestion would also provide the same protection to British soldiers who served there.

He told the Prime Minister that British soldiers who served in the region from the 1970s to the 1990s should have the “protection they deserve”, adding: “If this means a wider amnesty, so be it.”

However, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: “We cannot countenance a proposal where amnesties would be provided to terrorists.”

A former Military Cross winner said a statute of limitations is not the way to proceed.

Doug Beattie, who is now an Ulster Unionist MLA, said such a policy would deny potential justice to victims of terrorism.

“I can fully understand why there are those at Westminster – and elsewhere – who wish to protect the veterans who served here,” he said.