Cabinet members clash over ending ‘witch hunt’ of British troops during The Troubles in Northern Ireland
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon wants a ban on veterans being investigated, but Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire objects
MINISTERS have clashed over a bill designed to end a "witch hunt" of British troops for their actions during The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
It comes as up to 1,000 former British soldiers could be investigated over their conduct during the IRA's terrorist campaign.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon and Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire are reportedly at loggerheads over a bill that could stop fresh probes being launched into veterans in their 60s and 70s unless there is new evidence.
Sir Michael reportedly wants a clause in the bill that protects veterans unless there is new evidence but Mr Brokenshire wants it omitted so cases can be re-opened either way.
Mr Brokenshire is under pressure from Sinn Fein to ensure both sides are happy with the draft bill's terms, the Daily Mail have reported.
Other clauses include an upper age limit for who can be probed, a five-year time limit on an inquiry's length and a restriction on maximum sentences that can be dished out.
All 302 killings by troops during 30 years of conflict in Ulster are being studied by police unit, the Legacy Investigation Branch (LIB).
A spokesman for Mr Brokenshire told the Daily Mail that his view was identical to that of the Conservatives 2017 manifesto - which pledged legislation would be "balanced" and "not focus on former troops and police".
A Chelsea Pensioner, 78, has been told he could face more questioning over a July 1972 death. He was first probed by Northern Irish cops at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, in 2013 but never anything heard further.
The former Royal Marine said: "They shouldn't be investigating people unless there's new evidence. This way it's just hanging over my head."
