'It is right we are ending the witch hunt of NI veterans'

WE can be "proud" of ending the witch hunt of Northern Ireland veterans despite threats of a legal challenge, Johnny Mercer has declared.

- Michael Knowles

Irish premier Leo Varadkar has warned that Ireland is willing to take action against the Government's "entirely wrong" legacy Bill.

But Mr Mercer, the Veterans' minister, said Britain must protect those who fought "for our way of life" and end "vexatious claims".

The legislation will end Troublesera court cases and inquests and give a conditional amnesty to those accused of killings and other Troubles-related crimes.

Prosecuted

It will establish the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery to take over legacy cases.

Mr Mercer told the Daily Express: "We have made a commitment to our veterans in Northern Ireland and we are going to see it through."