Derry Daily
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Friday 22°CSaturday 25°C

Derry Daily Derry Daily Derry Daily

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Derry CityNewsPolitics

New Secretary of State refuses to be drawn on prosecutions of ex-soldiers

written by John February 24, 2020
ShareTweet

NEW British Secretary of State has declined to say whether prosecutors in the region can be trusted not to take “vexatious” cases against military veterans.

On a visit to Derry today, Brandon Lewis was pressed on the Government’s pledge to legislate to end what it has characterised as unjustified prosecutions of former soldiers.

It comes as the Government faces pressure from backbenchers to halt re-investigations of security force actions during the Troubles, amid claims veterans are being subject to a “witch hunt”.

Over the weekend one retired soldier facing reinvestigation reportedly took his own life.

The Government has faced questions as to why a law is needed to prevent vexatious prosecutions, given there is already a legal framework that governs how prosecutorial decisions are made.

The Public Prosecution Service in Northern Ireland applies tests on evidential threshold and public interest before proceeding with cases.

On his first trip to Derry since replacing the sacked Julian Smith as Secretary of State, Mr Lewis would not be drawn when asked if the Government believed prosecutors could be trusted not to mount vexatious claims.

“Obviously prosecutions are an independent issue for the prosecutors in any given area,” he added.

“We have always said we want to make sure, the Prime Minister has been very clear, that there are no vexatious claims, that’s very different from anything else.

“We’ve been very specific about that. We want to make sure there are no vexatious claims and we will be coming forward with some proposals for that in due course.”

Asked if he believed prosecutors were currently responsible for pursing vexatious claims, he again declined to be drawn.

“We are clear, the Prime Minister is clear – we want to make sure that there are no vexatious claims, that’s what we will be coming forward with proposals on.”

Mr Lewis was asked whether the Government would countenance a form of amnesty for former military personnel.

“I am not going into the detail at the moment, we will come forward as a government with an outline of what we want to do in due course,” he replied.

The Conservative MP said dealing with the legacy of the Troubles was a “key issue”.

“We have seen tragic cases over the years and obviously there has been some publicity over cases just this weekend,” he said.

“We want to make sure that we come up with a system that makes sure that victims are well understood and looked after, as well as make sure there are no vexatious claims, the Prime Minister has been very clear about that, we are determined to deliver on that, we will do that.”

The New Decade, New Approach deal to restore powersharing at Stormont includes a pledge from the Government to implement stalled legacy mechanisms that were first agreed by the UK and Irish governments and the main Northern Ireland parties in 2014.

The proposals include a new independent investigations unit to re-examine Troubles killings carried out by paramilitaries and security force members.

Mr Lewis indicated the Government’s delivery on those proposals would come in conjunction with measures to protect veterans from “vexatious” actions.

“We are very clear – we want to make sure that we are delivering on both the New Decade, New Approach agreement and making sure there are no vexatious claims for veterans,” he said.

New Secretary of State refuses to be drawn on prosecutions of ex-soldiers was last modified: February 24th, 2020 by John

Tags:
Bloody SundayBrandon LewisBRITISH SECRETARY OF STATEDerry CitympNew ApproachNew DecadeNew Secretary of State refuses to be drawn on prosecutions of ex-soldiersPUBLIC PROSECUTION SERVICESoldier F
ShareTweet
John

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Derry Labour Market Partnership celebrate success of...

9 hours ago

Savour the best of the North West...

10 hours ago

Bin collections and Recycling Centres operate as...

11 hours ago

Finance Minister visits sites of Derry Strabane...

11 hours ago

Durkan: We need to get serious about...

18 hours ago

Police appeal over children playing in derelict...

18 hours ago

Historic US flag stolen from Derry college

2 days ago

Strabane success in promoting Vibrant Town in...

2 days ago

New baby monitor units arrive at Altnagelvin...

2 days ago

Build a future in construction on fully...

2 days ago

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Email

Features

  • Sun, sea, spectacular views, historical charm and fabulous food. Tunisia of course

    April 5, 2024
  • Magical trip to see Santa from Belfast

    December 20, 2023
  • DD Travel Feature: Cork’s amazing The Montenotte Hotel

    April 18, 2023
  • Derry cancer survivor Noeleen McMorris reveals importance of awareness

    July 25, 2022
  • Competition! Win tickets to Northern Ireland v England Women’s Euro 2022 match

    June 17, 2022

Courts

  • Man charged to court over Derry drugs seizure

    July 6, 2025
  • Drink-driver charged to court over Derry collision

    July 5, 2025
  • Derry priest faces seven more child sex charges

    July 4, 2025
  • Man charged with possessing indecent images of children

    July 4, 2025
  • Two men in court after £1.2m cannabis find near border

    July 3, 2025

Donegal Daily

    Read More

    • News
    • Sport
    • Courts
    • Jobs
    • Features
    • Business
    • Politics

    Information

    • Contact Us
    • About
    • Advertise WIth Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    Derry Daily

    © 2025 Derry Daily. All rights reserved.


    Back To Top

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy