Britain's three special forces associations accuse ministers of giving a 'green light' to the endless pursuit of Troubles veterans

The SAS Regimental Association, SBS Association and Special Reconnaissance Regimental Association say the Troubles Bill's loopholes will be 'easily' exploited. The SAS group branded the legislation 'unfit for purpose', even after last week's government amendments. It called it 'incoherent, contradictory, imprecise and muddled'. Brigadier Ed Butler warned that losing SAS capabilities is 'a direct threat to national security'.

Generals Sir Peter Wall and Sir Nick Parker told ministers to 'stop pretending' veterans are protected.

SAS troops hunting terrorists in Syria endured a three-year murder probe before being cleared.