Secretary of State: I can't block historic investigations into soldiers

Responding to calls from MPs during a debate in the House of Commons on Tuesday, James Brokenshire said issues relating to the rule of law prevented him from intervening.

“Where I am concerned is to the balance of effort, the need to ensure that there are proper investigations that are actually following the evidence rather than anything else,” said Mr Brokenshire

“Therefore, reform is needed - the situation as it is at the moment is wrong and has to change - and that’s what I’m committed to doing.”

Tory MP James Heappey (Wells) encouraged Mr Brokenshire to “block these investigations straight away”.

He said: “I served twice in Northern Ireland during my time in the Army so I know a little of the challenge (Mr Brokenshire) faces in meeting the expectations of all sides of the community.

“However, I must echo the contributions of colleagues who have discouraged the secretary of state from allowing investigations of British troops.

“No matter how well designed the investigatory process is, these investigations break the covenant of those who are serving and have served for our armed forces.”

Sinn Fein’s desire to rewrite the past and put “more soldiers and security forces in the dock” is behind the collapse of the Northern Ireland executive, DUP MP Nigel Dodds has said.

Mr Dodds accused Sinn Fein of a “highly irresponsible decision” that had led to the collapse of government at Stormont, following the resignation of Martin McGuinness as Deputy First Minister.

A number of Tory MPs joined in the criticism of continuing investigations into British veterans during the Troubles, with Defence Select Committee chairman Julian Lewis branding the probes grotesque.

Mr Dodds told MPs: “We share the deep regret at the highly irresponsible decision of Sinn Fein to single-handedly cause the collapse of the present executive and precipitate what the secretary of state has rightly called this threat to the continuity of the devolved institutions.

“It’s clear from what Sinn Fein have said in their resignation letter, it’s not about RHI, because had this continued we would have had the investigation and proposals to mitigate cost.

“But it’s because, according to them, they’re not getting their own way in a whole series of demands, including rewriting the past and putting more soldiers and security forces in the dock - despite the fact they’ve just agreed a programme for government in Northern Ireland.”

Conservative MP Richard Benyon, who served in Northern Ireland, said the investigations were “a very one-sided judicial process”.

Mr Lewis said: “He has ably expressed the dismay at the grotesquely partisan and inequitable decision to instruct the Police Service of Northern Ireland to start pursuing retired British service personnel, whilst amnestied former terrorists freely walk the streets.

“Will the Government bring forward legislation urgently, to offer them at least the same protection as the amnestied terrorists undeservedly enjoy?”

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire said there were no amnesties that amounted to immunity from prosecution.

He added: “He makes a broader point in relation to the need for a proportionate, balanced approach to legacy, to ensure that all aspects are investigated properly, rather than looking at one side rather than the other side.

“That is precisely the approach I believe can be taken forward through the Stormont House agreement.”

The DUP’s Sir Jeffrey Donaldson (Lagan Valley) called for a resolution to the issue, telling MPs: “It is unacceptable that veterans of the armed forces, who served the Crown, are waiting on the knock at the door whilst the terrorists walk free.”

Shadow Northern Ireland secretary David Anderson said Labour would support the UK Government in maintaining political stability at Stormont.

Mr Anderson said: “The world is watching this. There’s a huge amount of goodwill towards Northern Ireland, and huge admiration for the success that we have seen after decades of despair.

“They look to the Assembly for a lead, and it’s a huge responsibility on them and us in this House.

“They do not want us to fail. They want us all to rise to hard challenges and work through them, and not just walk away when things get tough.

“We know from sad experience that the worst thing you can do in Northern Ireland is leave a vacuum.”

Mr Brokenshire said he could not intervene, adding there are issues linked to the rule of law.

The DUP’s Ian Paisley (North Antrim), in an apparent reference to the issuing of letters of comfort to on-the-run Irish republicans initially started in 2000 under a Labour government, said: “The previous prime minister intervened by writing letters which got a lot of people off the hook.”

DUP MP David Simpson (Upper Bann) said: “I’m sure (Mr Brokenshire) will agree that over the past 24 hours the real picture is emerging that this is about a political wishlist from Sinn Fein.

“And when it comes to the whole issue around conflict of interests from the First Minister’s point of view, it’s a red herring.

“I wonder when it comes to the whole legacy issue, will members of Sinn Fein stand aside and resign when we’re investigating their pasts?”

SDLP MP Margaret Ritchie (South Down) said the principles of power-sharing, partnership and respect for political difference were fundamental to Northern Ireland’s political institutions.

She said: “In the last number of weeks we have seen the disappearing and the withering away of the principle of power-sharing.”

Some DUP MPs could be heard shouting: “You walked away from it.”