Veterans and Soldiers: Statute of Limitations

Debate between Ian Paisley and Leo Docherty

Monday 25th June 2018 Commons Chamber

[Leo Docherty]

I do agree and I am very grateful for that intervention.

[Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP)]

I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on introducing this debate. A previous British Government were able to find a legal mechanism to help a specific group of people called the on-the-runs, over 130 of them, who were all in different jurisdictions—the Republic of Ireland, Belgium and the United States—and got “get out of jail free” cards. Surely there must be some way in which Her Majesty’s Government can protect those who are there to serve our nation.

[Leo Docherty]

I am grateful for that intervention. I agree that the whole resolve of the Ministry of Defence and the legal capability of the Government must be brought to bear to find a legally viable route towards this, because it is, frankly, an issue of national security.