DUP's Jim Shannon in tearful plea for justice for murdered cousin

Jim Shannon was overcome in the Commons chamber as he recalled the death of his cousin, as well as personal friends who had served in the Ulster Defence Regiment.

It came as MPs criticised investigations into the actions of British veterans who served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

The Strangford MP served in the Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) during the conflict.

“I understand very well the concept of closure and wanting justice,” he said.

“I want justice for my cousin Kenneth Smith, who was murdered by the IRA.”

As he struggled to hold back tears, he continued: “I want justice for the four UDR men that the honourable member refers to, a few of whom I knew personally.

“And yet there’s no multimillion pound investigation available for that.

“So I resent the idea that this seems to once more represent that one life is worth more than another.

“It’s not, never will be.”

An emotional Mr Shannon added: “A grieving mother doesn’t change with the colour of her hair, the area she lives in or the church that she attends.

“It can never do, and why should it?

“As the member of Parliament for Strangford, I call for this Government to turn round and take the only thing that they can do, and make sure that our people are given the credit and given the fairness that they should have.”

Mr Shannon said bogus claims had been made “to destroy the reputation of our armed forces”, adding: “This never can be allowed to happen.”

The DUP said credible claims should have been distinguished from others more quickly, and that innocent until proven guilty should always have been the fall-back position when claims were made.

He went on to congratulate Tory MP Johnny Mercer (Plymouth Moor View) for his investigation into the discredited Iraq Historic Allegations Team.

“Because of that, I hope that the lessons will be learned by all ... never should claims without evidence be progressed,” said Mr Shannon.

“Never should service personnel be left out on a limb.”

As he was overcome with emotion again, Mr Shannon said: “Never should we leave a man behind.”