The Special Air Service Regimental Association – of whom the Prince of Wales is patron – has said that Al Carns’ resignation proves the Troubles Bill is not fit for purpose:
“The resignation letter of Al Carns as outgoing Minister of the Armed Forces reveals that the government’s approach to dealing with the legacy of Northern Ireland (NI) is fundamentally flawed. The Troubles Bill and associated remedial order are not fit for purpose. The principled departure of both he and the Secretary of State, who have fought hard within government to protect veterans of Operation Banner, sends a welcome message but leaves our members vulnerable to endless vexatious litigation triggered by apologists for terrorists.
The Special Forces (SF) Associations have never sought immunity from wrongdoing but are adamant that the mistreatment of veterans must end. Their 6,500 members are angry and frustrated at the failure of successive governments to do more to end their persecution. Trust will be hard to restore. They urge – and stand ready to support – the new Secretary of State to continue the fight to defend veterans.
The remedial order must not be allowed to proceed. Its provisions must be incorporated into an amended Bill that provides the protection veterans need and deserve. Servicemen and servicewomen were sent to NI to defend the State and the public. The question now is whether Government and Parliament will defend them.”
Carns said he could not longer look fellow veterans in the eye when they asked him if they would be fairly treated under Labour’s Troubles Bill…
Tom Baldwin, author of Starmer’s hagiography, spoke to Times Radio:
Tom Baldwin: “I think he’d like to do something. He’s very dutiful and driven by service. That’s why he came into politics. I think that’s characterised his time as prime minister. He hasn’t always sought popularity or been good at being popular. But I think he has some of the necessary qualities that we actually do want in a prime minister. That resilience, that relentlessness, that ability to carry the weight and the job really does weigh very heavily on people and he carries that weight very, very well.”
Jo Coburn: “NATO Secretary-General?”
Tom Baldwin: “I think that’s something that he would be interested in. I think it probably requires Andy Burnham’s government to support him in that and these are some of the questions which Andy Burnham has to resolve quite quickly.”