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Armed Forces: Northern Ireland

In responding to this Question, it has been assumed that references to Soldier F relate to the individual prosecuted in connection with Bloody Sunday.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to supporting veterans and their families. As part of this, Soldier F has received legal and welfare support throughout his legal proceedings at public expense.

The legal fees associated with these proceedings (including associated judicial reviews) amount to £5.2 million, which may rise marginally as a result of the new Judicial Review that has been launched by the Next of Kin of the victims into the Public Prosecution Service of Northern Ireland’s decision not to prosecute eight soldiers, including Soldier F, in relation to allegations of providing false evidence to the Saville inquiry.

These costs cover the period from when Soldier F was initially charged in March 2019. This includes costs associated with the Judicial Review leading to the PPS recommencing proceedings in 2022. Legal representation has been provided by the same experienced legal team since the Saville Inquiry, supplemented by leading solicitors and barristers, including King's Counsel, based in Northern Ireland.

The Ministry of Defence provides legal support to current and former service personnel involved in legal processes connected with their duties. Total legal fees incurred for soldier F (the individual prosecuted in connection with Bloody Sunday) amount to £4.7 million. These cover the period since he was charged by the Public Prosecution Service in March 2019 and relate to his prosecution and associated judicial reviews.