Theresa May personally blocked ministers putting forward legislation which could have protected former soldiers from prosecution for alleged offences during the Northern Ireland Troubles, it has been reported. It was sent to the Northern Ireland Office and Ministry of Defence as ministers and officials were drawing up a consultation document on “addressing the legacy of Northern Ireland’s past”. It stated: “The Prime Minister has decided that the consultation document should not contain specific reference to a ‘statute of limitations’ or ‘amnesties’, in line with government policy. “The Ministry of Defence should work closely with the Northern Ireland office to ensure that their veterans package offers equal, rather than preferential, treatment relative to other groups or individuals affected by this consultation.” Penny Mordaunt has said she believes Northern Ireland veterans should be given greater protection (Stefan Rousseau/PA)A number of Northern Ireland veterans are currently facing charges, including Soldier F, who has been charged in relation to the killings of two protesters during Bloody Sunday in Londonderry in 1972. As it stands, the legislation will not apply to those who served in Northern Ireland, although in an apparent break with Government policy, Ms Mordaunt said she intended to find a way they could be afforded the similar protection.

Source: Irish Examiner May 19, 2019 06:22 UTC