Al Carns speaks out as Labour paves way for UK troops being prosecuted: ‘Veterans are punished!’

Al Carns has criticised Labour’s plans to repeal the Northern Ireland Legacy and Reconciliation Act, warning that former British service personnel could face renewed investigations into Troubles-era incidents. The former veterans minister said the prospect of prosecution was small, but argued that lengthy investigations could themselves punish veterans; he also stressed that members of the military must be accountable when they break the law.

Speaking ahead of Remembrance Sunday, the retired Royal Marine called for greater investment in Britain’s security amid rising geopolitical threats. The Government has declined to commit to spending 3 per cent of GDP on defence by 2030, and Carns warned that delaying investment would make the task harder. He left Labour’s frontbench in June after a dispute over military funding.