Labour's decision to repeal the Legacy Act will damage the morale and recruitment of British soldiers. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge warned that the move, which removes protections for veterans of the Troubles, will open the floodgates to "vexatious" prosecutions and civil cases. He argued that this is particularly damaging at a time of heightened military threats, as current soldiers will fear repercussions decades later for actions taken on peacekeeping missions.
The Legacy Act had prevented historical inquests and new civil cases, with a controversial measure granting immunity to those who cooperated with investigations. Cartlidge defended this act, stating it allowed veterans to "sleep soundly." He anticipates hundreds of civil cases will be filed, with political motives potentially driving some.
Labour's minister for the armed forces, Al Carns, defended the proposed changes, asserting the new process would not be a punishment for veterans. He stated that the l... download the app to read more
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