PM promises 'no vexatious prosecutions' over Troubles

KEIR Starmer says there will be no "vexatious prosecutions" of people who battled terrorists in Northern Ireland as a result of Labour's Troubles legislation, after SAS veterans threatened action.

- BY KATIE HARRIS in Johannesburg AND DAVID WILLIAMSON

The body that represents the regiment and its veterans feared that those who served in Northern Ireland may face prosecution as a result of Labour's decision to repeal a law intended to provide conditional immunity.

But on his way to South Africa, the Prime Minister said: "I'm absolutely confident that there will be no vexatious prosecutions, and that is because the legislation carefully sets out the balance that must be struck, and particular protections for veterans."

The SAS Regimental Association said: "The PM's comments suggest that he has either been poorly briefed or is determined to accept without question the Northern Ireland Office's deeply flawed plan. When so many highly experienced, well-informed, shrewd and long-term observers conclude...that, regardless of [Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn's] assertions, the proposed legislation fails to protect veterans then it behoves the PM to sit up and listen.