The Special Air Service Regimental Association (SASRA) has publicly urged UK politicians Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting to end what it describes as a "national shame" concerning the treatment of Northern Ireland veterans. SASRA is demanding protections for former soldiers facing legal action related to their service during the Troubles.
In a statement issued to the Daily Mail, SASRA stated its determination "to do whatever it takes to protect these men and women from the manifestly unfair treatment to which they have been subjected by the Northern Ireland legacy processes which blights their lives and those of their families." The association emphasized that it has "never sought immunity, only fairness."
SASRA's core demands include ensuring that no veteran faces persecution for properly carrying out their duty, and that the state stands behind them. They advocate for proceedings to be disallowed without compelling new evidence, for key decisions to be made outside Northern Ireland, and for effective independent oversight.
The organization's remarks echo the Daily Mail's ongoing "Betrayal of the Brave" campaign. SASRA's statement was supported by former SAS Commanding Officer Colonel Richard Williams, who criticized the current political direction. Williams expressed concern that the "aggressive, war-fighting nature that the SAS embodies will disappear" and that veterans with relevant combat experience might be isolated from positions of authority.
This call comes as the UK government's Troubles Bill progresses. The government maintains that this bill, which replaces the previous Legacy Act, establishes a "fair and transparent system" for victims' families to seek answers. It also states that veterans will benefit from six protections and that the legislation will end immunity for terrorists. The Bill is intended to pave the way for new information-sharing arrangements and reflects a joint framework between the UK and Irish governments, following extensive consultation.
The Legacy Act, previously championed by former Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer, effectively banned Troubles-era prosecutions, inquests, and civil cases. Labour's proposed Troubles Bill, agreed upon with the Irish government, includes a legacy commission intended to investigate killings from that era, which has allowed inquests to resume. Recent changes in government leadership have seen Sir Keir Starmer step down as Prime Minister and John Healey resign as Defence Secretary, with Chris Bryant and Ellie Reeves taking on roles previously held by Hilary Benn and Lord Hermer, respectively.
Democratic Unionist Party leader Gavin Robinson has stated that scrapping the Troubles Bill should be a priority for Chris Bryant. SASRA's intervention highlights ongoing tensions over how to address the legacy of the conflict in Northern Ireland, particularly concerning the legal standing of military veterans who served during that period.