Head of Britain’s Armed Forces who served in Northern Ireland says he feels ‘uncomfortable’ at prospect of facing probe over killings during The Troubles
By CLAIRE ELLICOTT FROM THE DAILY MAIL UK
- Tory MPs have led the opposition to British veterans facing legal action
- More than 30 politicians supported proposal for a 20-year time limit on reopening cases
- Theresa May has labelled the existing investigation system ‘flawed’
The head of the Armed Forces has told how the prospect of being investigated over the Troubles has left him feeling ‘uncomfortable’.
Tory MPs have led the opposition to British veterans facing legal action over incidents linked to the Troubles.
In July, more than 30 politicians supported a backbench proposal for a 20-year time limit on reopening cases involving former troops.
General Sir Nick Carter, Chief of the Defence Staff, completed several tours in Northern Ireland as a junior officer. In an interview with The House magazine, he said: ‘As a military officer who’s done multiple tours in Northern Ireland, I am uncomfortable with the prospect of being investigated.’
However, Sir Nick added: ‘This is a political issue and is, therefore, something that the politicians have to deal with. And of course, it’s associated with the peace process. Again, it’s a political issue.’
Theresa May has labelled the existing investigation system ‘flawed’ due to its ‘disproportionate focus’ on former members of the Armed Forces and police.
One terminally-ill veteran, Dennis Hutchings, 77, is facing a murder trial over the 1974 shooting of a man with learning difficulties in County Tyrone.
Despite having been cleared in two earlier investigations, the former Life Guards serviceman was arrested and interrogated last year.
Sandhurst-trained Sir Nick, who joined the Army in 1977 aged 18 and served with The Royal Green Jackets, led troops in Iraq in 2003 and completed several tours of Afghanistan.
He also addressed the difficulties experienced by veterans after returning from service, adding: ‘I feel it myself. Not a day goes by when I don’t think of the 375 people who died under my command in southern Afghanistan in 2010. Not a day goes by.’
IMAGES:
Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter, who has said he feels ‘uncomfortable’ at the prospect of being investigated as part of the Troubles probe PA
General Sir Nick Carter, Chief of the General Staff, makes a speech during the launch of the army’s leadership doctrine at the BT Tower in central London PA
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