The UK government has been threatened with legal action by the SAS Regimental Association over its reforms to legacy legislation on the Troubles, MPs have been told. Former Brexit secretary David Davis raised the issue during Prime Minister's Questions, stating that the association had sent a letter before action to Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn in an 'unprecedented' move.
Mr Davis warned that the government's overhaul of the law affecting veterans who served in Northern Ireland was impacting recruitment, retention, and morale within the SAS. He urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to personally intervene, describing it as a matter of 'national honour'.
The proposals, which received their second reading in the House of Commons, will establish a commission to investigate killings during the Troubles and set up separate information recovery mechanisms. However, critics, including the Conservative Party, fear it could lead to prosecutions against veterans.
In response, Mr Starmer assured MPs that the commission would only revisit old cases with 'compelling reasons' and highlighted protections for veterans, including safeguards against repeat investigations, cold calling, and provisions for elderly veterans to give evidence remotely.
The SAS Regimental Association, which represents soldiers of the Special Air Service Regiment, has not yet commented publicly. The Ministry of Defence and Northern Ireland Office have also been contacted for comment.
