Today, in the House of Commons, I asked the Minister for Defence Veterans, Reserves and Personnel, Mark Lancaster, for assurances that our servicemen and women are not punished over alleged historical – and vexatious – allegations of crimes taking place during ‘The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland.

These people protected our country during some very dark days, and to drag them into court to relive old traumas in their old age is wrong. I know that many of you agree with me, having written to me about this or signed the petition on my website: ranil.uk/military

I will continue to push the government to introduce a statute of limitations to prevent the harm that is being done and protect our military today, just as they have protected us in the past.