Defence Secretary Backs Measures Preventing Repeated Historical Allegation Investigations

The Defence Secretary is backing measures to prevent military personnel being repeatedly investigated for alleged offences committed overseas during service more than ten years ago.

Penny Mordaunt says she will "undertake a short public consultation" on measures she believes should be made into law.

She said the idea "is not the same as a statute of limitations or amnesty", but would mean such prosecutions should not be considered in the public interest, except in "exceptional circumstances".

The measures would not cover Northern Ireland.

Ms Mordaunt went on to say: "Our obligations to veterans who have served in Northern Ireland remain the same as those who served in other theatres.

"I have agreed with the Northern Ireland Secretary that my Department will provide formal input to any process taken forward by the Northern Ireland Office resulting from the Stormont House Agreement."

The Defence Secretary also said she will look at options to "prevent civil claims being brought in respect of historical events overseas".

Watch: Personnel 'need to know' they have Government's support

The Prime Minister on Wednesday admitted "we need to change the current system" through which investigations are carried out.

"We want to see a system where investigations can take place in a lawful manner and the results can be upheld and will not be reopened in the future," Theresa May said.

Reacting to the measures announced by Ms Mordaunt, defence minister and former Royal Green Jacket Tobias Ellwood said: "When we sent people into harm's way, into theatres of operation and they have rules of engagement cards, they need to know that they have the support of the Government.

"I'm really pleased that the Defence Secretary is pushing forward with this proposal, that after ten years if no new evidence comes forward then you do draw a line."

Regarding investigations into personnel who served in Northern Ireland, Mr Ellwood said they would receive "full legal support" from the Ministry of Defence.

Last week, Ms Mordaunt said she wants to extend protection to troops from repeated investigations into historical allegations to cover veterans of Northern Ireland.

A number of ex-soldiers who served during the Troubles are facing prosecution, including Soldier F, who is facing charges over the Bloody Sunday shootings in Londonderry in 1972.

Former Army captain and current Conservative MP Johnny Mercer has told Theresa May he will no longer support the Government in the Commons, apart from on Brexit matters, unless the historical prosecutions of ex-servicemen and women end.

In recent weeks, veterans have marched in cities such as Glasgow, London and Belfast to to demonstrate against the prosecution of six veterans who served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.