Special Forces associations unite in rare joint statement accusing ministers of giving a 'green light' to pursue veterans

The SAS, SBS and Special Reconnaissance Regiment associations say the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill leaves ex-soldiers facing 'endless re-investigation'. The SAS Regimental Association brands the law 'incoherent, contradictory, imprecise and muddled'. Its president, Brigadier Ed Butler, warns the regiment's future is at risk. Last week ministers tabled 156 amendments to the Bill.

Ed Butler: 'Losing SAS capabilities is a direct threat to national security.'

Labour's ex-defence minister Al Carns says the Bill 'deals the best possible hand to our adversaries'.