Defence Secretary ‘in Cabinet spat’ over Northern Irish Troubles inquiry
2 min read
Disagreement over the future of an inquiry into killings that happened during the Northern Irish Troubles caused a Cabinet “spat” yesterday, it has been reported.
According to the BBC, senior Cabinet figures, including the Defence Secretary, raised concerns over the creation of a 'Historical Investigations Unit' that will look into unprosecuted killings in the region.
The introduction of the new body was agreed as part of the 2014 Stormont House agreement, but it is understood that several ministers oppose the plans in their current form.
Gavin Williamson reportedly told colleagues that the new body would not provide enough protections for military veterans, in what was described as a “spat”.
Another minister is said to have called for greater assurances that former military personnel will not be unfairly targeted or dragged through the courts.
A Cabinet source said: "This has got catastrophe written all over it for the Government and will carry very little sympathy with the majority of the British public who won't be able to get their heads round us not getting behind our veterans."
However, others defended the new unit saying it would improve on the current system and “end the current witch hunt" against veterans and former police officers.
Another source said: "We want to find a way forward and we believe that the right way is to consult on this.
“Leaving the status quo as it exists is to let down our armed forces, as the current system it hits our armed forces disproportionately."
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