Politics

Sinn Féin ‘wants more soldiers in the dock', DUP MP Nigel Dodds says

DUP MP Nigel Dodds says Sinn Féin brought down the power sharing executive because it wants more members of the British armed forces in the docks. Picture by Hugh Russell
DUP MP Nigel Dodds says Sinn Féin brought down the power sharing executive because it wants more members of the British armed forces in the docks. Picture by Hugh Russell DUP MP Nigel Dodds says Sinn Féin brought down the power sharing executive because it wants more members of the British armed forces in the docks. Picture by Hugh Russell

Sinn Fein's desire to rewrite the past and put "more soldiers and security forces in the dock" is behind the collapse of the Northern Ireland executive, DUP MP Nigel Dodds has said.

Mr Dodds accused Sinn Fein of a "highly irresponsible decision" that had led to the collapse of government at Stormont, following the resignation of Sinn Féin deputy first minister Martin McGuinness over a green energy scheme.

A number of Tory MPs joined in the criticism of continuing investigations into members of the British armed forces during the Troubles, with Defence Select Committee chairman Julian Lewis branding the probes grotesque.

Mr Dodds told MPs: "We share the deep regret at the highly irresponsible decision of Sinn Féin to single-handedly cause the collapse of the present executive and precipitate what the secretary of state has rightly called this threat to the continuity of the devolved institutions.

"It's clear from what Sinn Féin have said in their resignation letter, it's not about RHI, because had this continued we would have had the investigation and proposals to mitigate cost.

"But it's because, according to them, they're not getting their own way in a whole series of demands, including rewriting the past and putting more soldiers and security forces in the dock - despite the fact they've just agreed a programme for government in Northern Ireland."

A Tory former minister claimed recruitment to the UK's armed forces has been hit by investigations into soldiers who served in Northern Ireland.

Claire Perry (Devizes) warned she has grave concerns over the "disproportionate politically motivated investigation" of those who believed they were "just doing their job" during the 38-year military campaign to maintain security.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire said changes were needed, including to help pursue cases involving those murdered by terrorists.

Speaking as MPs discussed the situation at Stormont, Ms Perry told Mr Brokenshire: "Like so many members in the House, I have grave concerns over what seems to be a disproportionate politically motivated investigation of those who believe they were just doing their job during Operation Banner.

"I'm sure you're aware of the concerns but you should know as the MP representing many members of the serving British Army this is having a measurable effect on recruitment currently for our armed forces.

"Do you not agree with me that actually this period of uncertainty provides us with perhaps an opportunity to set the record straight about what is and is not within the scope of enquiry?"

Mr Brokenshire replied: "I certainly am struck by the strength of feeling.

"That's why I do underline the points I have made about how I do think we need to see a change in the system, that the way in which the attention of the state means that cases where, for example, those who have been murdered as a consequence of terrorist activity is not being pursued.

"That is why I think there are mechanisms that do provide for that, why I am intent to take that forward and how, notwithstanding the current issues, that remains a priority."