Jump directly to the content
Exclusive
'IT'S A DISGRACE'

Fury as Army chiefs BAN troops from supporting ‘betrayed’ veterans in public

The MoD said troops must remain 'impartial'
Soldiers marching in camouflage uniforms.

ARMY chiefs banned troops from supporting veterans in public — amid growing fury in the ranks that ex-servicemen are being “betrayed”.

A ban came after up to 90,000 people signed a petition urging No 10 not to dilute a law shielding Northern Ireland veterans from witch-hunts.

Ian Liles OBE, retired Brigadier, speaking.
2
Former Brigadier Ian Liles insisted it was the regiments’ duty to look after veteransCredit: Durham Union

At least three Army regimental HQ shared social media links to it.

But the MoD said troops must remain “impartial” — leading top brass to order support must end.

Former Brigadier Ian Liles, 71, who launched the petition, insisted it was the regiments’ duty to look after veterans.

He said: “Veterans are being hounded and persecuted.

READ MORE ON THE ARMY

“It is a disgrace.

“It is in the Regimental Headquarters’ remit to help them.

“That is not political. That is a military fact.”

Tory MP David Davis said: “Veterans’ voices must not be silenced by bureaucratic interference.”

Defence Secretary John Healey vowed: “Anything that interferes with the parliamentary process is something of concern.

“I will certainly look into it.”

Britain should be proud - today's VE Day pomp was perfect final honour to our war heroes
Soldiers marching in camouflage uniforms.
2
Army chiefs banned troops from supporting veterans in publicCredit: Getty
Topics