Senior soldiers are leaving Britain’s elite SAS Regiment in significant numbers over fears they could be prosecuted, a senior Conservative MP has warned. Sir David Davis, a former Special Air Service (SAS) reservist, has proposed legislation to protect troops from legal action.
Experienced soldiers resigning
Sir David said several experienced soldiers were quitting the regiment due to “decades of lawfare”. The former minister said eight Warrant Officers, each with decades of service, had recently resigned in what he described as “a huge loss to Special Forces”.
He claimed SAS troops are becoming “more risk averse” on operations over fears they could face legal claims years down the line.
Warnings over security
According to the Daily Mail, Sir David warned: “They are resigning over this issue. So we must be more robust about pushing back against human rights law. Otherwise we will compromise UK and international security.”
He added: “Soldiers are saying to their officers 'Do I need my lawyer with me?' Before they deploy. The problem is making our most elite units more risk-averse.”
Sir David also warned the Special Forces are “well below strength”. “They are losing experienced non-commissioned officers and failing to recruit,” he said, according to The Sun.
Investigations and proposed bill
The SAS faces investigations over deaths in Northern Ireland and Afghanistan. Sir David is preparing to table the Military Operations Bill in Parliament, which is designed to replace Labour’s Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.
Al Carns said the Troubles Bill is “unfit for purpose” as he quit as Armed Forces Minister in June. A report by the Policy Exchange think tank last month said the bill could leave older veterans facing investigations, uncertainty and potential prosecution.
The Military Operations Bill proposes putting time limits on investigations and demand “public-interest and compelling-evidence thresholds” before soldiers are put through probes.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “Our commitment to our service personnel and veterans is unshakable, and that will be clear in the forthcoming amendments package to the Troubles Bill, which builds on already existing protections, including safeguards from cold calling.
“This means that no veteran will face a knock on their door, and there will be protection from repeat investigations.
“The Troubles Bill will pave the way for all families in their search for the truth of what happened to their loved ones.”
