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Attorney General Geoffrey Cox vows to meet MPs demanding end to the witch hunt against Troubles veterans

This week 150 Tory MPs and peers signed a letter to PM Theresa May blasting new plans to investigate past crimes against the veterans

GOVERNMENT law boss Geoffrey Cox has vowed to meet campaigning MPs demanding an end to witch hunt probes against Troubles veterans.

This week 150 Tory MPs and peers signed a letter to PM Theresa May blasting new plans to investigate past crimes.

 Attorney General Geoffrey Cox has vowed to meet campaigning MPs demanding an end to witch hunt probes against Troubles veterans
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Attorney General Geoffrey Cox has vowed to meet campaigning MPs demanding an end to witch hunt probes against Troubles veteransCredit: AFP or licensors

The letter, which was hand-delivered to Number 10, begged the PM to: “Put in place a lasting legal protection for our Armed Services and Security Personnel, wherever and whenever they serve.”

It was signed by MPs Mark Francois, former Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon plus veterans Bob Stewart and Johnny Mercer.

They accused the government of breaking the Armed Forces Covenant - its manifesto commitment to personnel.

Now insiders say as a direct result of their letter heavyweight government law boss Cox - a top QC - will meet with the MPs behind the letter and hear their concerns.

 This week 150 Tory MPs and peers signed a letter to PM Theresa May blasting new plans to investigate past 'crimes'
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This week 150 Tory MPs and peers signed a letter to PM Theresa May blasting new plans to investigate past 'crimes'Credit: Corbis - Getty

It is hoped the core MPs behind the letter will hold a summit with Cox in the next fortnight.

Mark Francois, former Armed Forces Minister, who organised the letter to the PM, said: “We are very pleased that the Government appear to have taken our initiative seriously and that the Attorney General, who has been personally tasked by the PM to sort this problem out, has asked to meet with us.

“As former military men we were taught to succeed and we remain utterly determined to ‘defend the defenders’ - so we very much look forward to a constructive meeting with the Government’s senior legal eagle to try and find a solution.”

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