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…
Krishnan Guru-Murthy asked John Healey: “Just finally, I mean Andy Burnham has been very clear he wants Britain back in the European Union in his lifetime. Do you?”
The Chancellor replied: “I’m older than Andy Burnham. I don’t expect to see that.”