View
comments
Plans to end the witch hunt of British troops who served in Ulster suffered a setback last night after they were rejected by Dublin.
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis yesterday confirmed proposals to introduce a statute of limitations covering all incidents in the Troubles.
The move is designed to end the pursuit of British veterans through the courts over incidents that occurred decades ago.
Controversially, it will also give an effective amnesty to IRA and loyalist terrorists who killed thousands.
Plans to end the witch hunt of British troops who served in Ulster suffered a setback last night after they were rejected by Dublin
The plan received a cautious welcome from veterans’ groups and some Tory MPs, including ex-PM Theresa May. But ministers faced a backlash from victims’ families and the main political parties in the Province.
Irish premier Micheal Martin said it was ‘wrong for many reasons’. UK ministers had seen Mr Martin as a pragmatist who might be persuaded to help push through the deal. But last night he told the Irish parliament he could not accept a ‘general amnesty for those who committed murder, whether there were State actors, or whether they’re involved in terrorist or illegal organisations’.
A Government source last night insisted ministers could press ahead ‘with or without’ support from Dublin or political leaders in the North, but conceded it would be ‘obviously better if they agree’.
The plans faced a mixed reaction from MPs yesterday. Mrs May said that young people in Northern Ireland would only be able to enjoy a brighter future if the Province ‘can find a path to reconciliation and is able to address and crucially move on from the legacy of the past’.
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis yesterday confirmed proposals to introduce a
