Parachute Regiment: Arrest Debate

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Department: Northern Ireland Office

Parachute Regiment: Arrest

Danny Kinahan Excerpts
Wednesday 18th November 2015

(8 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Danny Kinahan Portrait Danny Kinahan (South Antrim) (UUP)
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I am glad that the urgent question was granted. We recognise and support the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, but there is real anger among veterans. Will the Minister take steps to end the current inequality that allows for those in the armed services to be pursued with greater vigour and effort than the terrorists, and ensure that we move towards a level playing field in the future?

Ben Wallace Portrait Mr Wallace
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I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman that there is an inequality in the process. I do not believe that some people are being pursued by the police and the Chief Constable with more verve than others. They will go where the evidence takes them and they will follow them. This is a process that I hope will help many soldiers and former Royal Ulster Constabulary members to clear their names. Having such a process is as important as not having a process that could allow people to make false allegations against them.