Kemi Badenoch has warned Andy Burnham that the Conservatives will keep fighting against the Troubles Bill as the controversial legislation returns to the Commons.
Labour introduced the proposed law to replace the Legacy Act brought in by the previous Conservative Government, which aimed to draw a line under the Northern Ireland conflict and the legal cases which have followed.
Tory leader raises fears over veterans
The Tory leader raised fears that the Bill will lead to witch hunts of elderly veterans who served during the 30 years of unrest.
Writing in the Daily Express, she said: "Decades after serving their country, former soldiers face the prospect of endless investigations, legal bills, and the constant threat of prosecution hanging over their final years.
"I have met many of these veterans. I have heard their stories and witnessed their anguish. I have assured them that Conservatives will fight this injustice every step of the way."
Accusation of political chess
Mrs Badenoch also accused the Prime Minister of using ex-soldiers as "pawns" in his bid to reverse Brexit.
She said: "This isn’t really about veterans. Labour desperately wants closer ties with the EU. To achieve that, they need the support of the Irish Government.
"Our Northern Ireland veterans have become pawns in a cynical game of political chess, with Andy Burnham and Chris Bryant prepared to sacrifice them for the prize they crave: a path back into Europe."
Government amendments and safeguards
The Government has tabled a series of amendments to the Bill which it says enhance existing protections.
As part of the measures, the UK’s Attorney General will have a new role in deciding whether serious Troubles-related prosecutions should go ahead.
Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant said: "This Bill is about completing the unfinished business of the Good Friday Agreement, getting answers for the many families, including veterans’ families, who lost a loved one.
"I am confident that this legislation will be a significant step towards a more reconciled society.
"We want to get the Bill right. So today we have introduced a significant package of amendments, establishing robust, permanent safeguards that ensure former armed forces personnel and police officers are treated with the fairness, dignity and respect they deserve.
"These amendments have been developed through extensive engagement with veterans’ groups, whilst ensuring that this Bill will also enable victims and bereaved families, including the families of soldiers, who have waited long years for answers, to seek information and, potentially, closure on what happened to their loved ones."
The Conservatives' Legacy Act established an investigative body aimed at uncovering information and giving closure to the families of those killed in the Troubles. However, it sparked criticism from some for offering conditional immunity from prosecution to those who shared information about crimes they were involved in.
Labour's proposed law has faced widespread condemnation including from former defence minister and ex-Royal Marine Al Carns. When he quit as armed forces minister in June, the Labour MP warned it could lead to "70 to 80-year-old veterans being dragged to court".
The Bill will be debated in the Commons on Tuesday and voted on next week. If it passes it will move to the House of Lords.
