Former soldier demands amnesty on ‘witch hunt’ for soliders who fought during the Troubles
A row erupted when it emerged plans for a Troubles inquiry didn’t include an amnesty for British veterans
A MINISTER who served in Northern Ireland yesterday broke ranks to call for an amnesty on the witch hunt of thousands of troops who served during the Troubles.
Tobias Ellwood admitted he wouldn’t want ambulance chasers “knocking” on his door and called for a common sense decision from the Government on the issue.
He told Radio 5live’s Pienaar’s Politics a consultation should include a statute of limitations preventing the prosecution of former soldiers for historic offences.
A row erupted last month when it emerged plans for a Troubles inquiry didn’t include an amnesty for British veterans - some now well into their 70s.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has expressed “grave concern” on the issue.
But yesterday in a Mr Ellwood reopened the row saying he would “personally would like to see” an amnesty considered.
He went on: “I served in Northern Ireland and was on operations over there. I knocked over a few bottles in my time there.
“I don’t want anyone knocking on my door, members of my platoon who I served with being asked questions of things that happened so many years ago.
“I hope common sense will then prevail. That cannot be how we look after our veterans.
“My view is when you join the armed forces you do so for life. And when you depart you remain inherently part of the armed forces community.
“We need to look after you. They need to know that there is a blanket of security that is there forever.”
He also called for greater spending on the defence budget saying “from where I sit, we need more money”.
His demand was echoed by the BBC’s Our Girl star Michelle Keegan who urged ministers to find more cash for the Armed Forces after she underwent training at Sandhurst for her role.
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Appearing on the Marr Show, the former Coronation Street actress who plays army medic Lance Corporal Georgie Lane in the drama said: “I have seen what’s been going on and I think the Government should be pumping more money into the British army, 100 per cent.
“They not only fight for our country but they help countries all around the world.”
SUN SAYS
THE witch-hunt against soldiers who served during the Troubles is disgraceful.
We applaud Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood’s call to end it.
Tony Blair gave the IRA amnesty. There should not be a double-standard for our ageing servicemen.
The Government must end this shameful situation.