The Armed Forces Minister faced sharp criticism from veterans last night after missing a crucial vote on legal protections, as he was on a trip to the Middle East. Al Carns, a former Commando officer, has become a focal point for opposition to Labour’s Northern Ireland Legacy Bill.
Veterans' Anger Over Missed Vote
Many veterans have protested against the proposed legislation, arguing it could lead to the continued persecution of former soldiers decades after their service. Given his own military background, they expected Carns to champion their cause and prevent what they see as politically motivated targeting of elderly veterans.
When Carns posted a video on social media, furious veterans accused him of seeking photo opportunities and prioritising politics over the interests of those he once served alongside. Before entering politics, Carns had a stellar career as a Royal Marines officer, earning a Military Cross during specialist operations against the Taliban.
Labour’s policies towards veterans have placed Carns in a difficult position, drawing opposition from within the military community. His active social media presence has also led to accusations that he is more interested in publicity than in advancing veterans' issues.
Criticism from Former Intelligence Officer
Former Army intelligence officer Phil Ingram challenged officials to release documents proving that the trip was arranged before the vote date was announced. Ingram told the Mail: ‘Al Carns has let himself and the veterans community down by failing to stand up for veterans with a feeble excuse he had to go to the Middle East. And then for failing to call for the PM to be held properly to account. Carns should remember the behaviour you walk past is the behaviour you accept.’
Following the Mail’s Stop the Betrayal campaign, ministers have paused the Bill to allow for further consultation with interest groups. These include regimental associations of Special Forces units, whose representatives have threatened legal action against the government.
Government Acknowledges Need for Safeguards
In Parliament last week, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn was forced to acknowledge: ‘We must do more through the legislation to safeguard our veterans community.’ Labour, and Carns in particular, remain under pressure to introduce protections similar to those in the previous Conservative government’s Legacy Act. That law, championed by former Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer, effectively banned all prosecutions related to the Troubles.
Decorated Afghan veteran Trevor Coult joined those criticising Carns, saying: ‘Given his distinguished service, veterans expected leadership, not silence, or a minister going missing in action. Missing votes that directly impact those who served is deeply disappointing and raises serious questions about priorities.’
Carns Defends His Actions
Carns posted on X on Tuesday night: ‘I spent the last few days in four countries across the Middle East visiting British Forces on live operations. Our Armed Forces personnel there are working with our allies and partners on the rapidly evolving situation. That’s why I wasn’t in Westminster for yesterday’s vote on the Northern Ireland Legacy Bill. I understand why people feel strongly about this. But the crisis in the Middle East is already affecting us and it’s ongoing. I served for 24 years. I know what it means to be asked to put your life on the line for this country and I know what we owe the people who do. For those who served in Northern Ireland, and for their families, this is not an abstract issue. It is about truth, justice and how we treat those who put themselves on the line for our country. My focus is clear: to make sure the process does not become the punishment, to recognise the difference in law and in fact between those who served the state under orders and those who set out to harm it, and to support veterans and their families in getting as close as possible to truth, reconciliation and justice.’
