Johnny Mercer quits as UK defence minister

world
Johnny Mercer Quits As Uk Defence Minister
Johnny Mercer, © PA Archive/PA Images
Share this article

By Emma Bowden, PA

Johnny Mercer has quit as Britain's minister in charge of defence veterans, a Downing Street spokeswoman confirmed.

The former British Army officer was reported to be unhappy about a lack of progress in dealing with former personnel being investigated for killings during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Advertisement

He has been heavily involved in the Overseas Operations (Service Personnel and Veterans) Bill, which is going through its final stages in the British Parliament.

The legislation was developed in response to legal claims made after operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, but does not cover incidents in Northern Ireland.

The statement released shortly after 7pm said: “This evening the Prime Minister has accepted the resignation of Johnny Mercer as minister for defence people and veterans.

“He thanks Johnny Mercer for his service as a Government minister since 2019.”

Advertisement

Read More

Message submitting... Thank you for waiting.

Want us to email you top stories each lunch time?

Download our Apps
© BreakingNews.ie 2024, developed by Square1 and powered by PublisherPlus.com