Sir, It is time to stop hounding former soldiers for alleged misconduct on operations in Northern Ireland and elsewhere decades ago. Consultation and prevarication have gone on for too long. The Queen’s Speech on October 14 must include a clause that will initiate a bill in parliament to protect those who have faithfully served our country. Over the last year hundreds of former soldiers have marched on parliament and more than 150 peers and MPs have signed a letter to 10 Downing Street demanding action.
No one is above the law but there now must be a law to protect those whose selfless service has been to uphold the law. The prime minister has promised action — he must now make good his promise. The Queen’s Speech is his opportunity.
General Lord Dannatt; General Lord Ramsbotham; Sir Henry Bellingham MP; Richard Benyon MP; Sir Michael Fallon MP; Sir Hugo Swire MP; Colonel Bob Stewart MP; Jack Lopresti MP; Danny Kinahan; Lord Blencathra, Mark Francois MP; Richard Drax MP