Gavin Robinson said:
“It is important that the Government makes clear its unwavering support for those SAS personnel who acted entirely appropriately when faced with a terrorist death squad at Clonoe. If the IRA men had not been armed to the teeth and on “an operation” they would probably not have encountered the SAS.
The inquest’s ruling is unbelievable for those who courageously defended the law-abiding people of Northern Ireland from the murderous intent of the IRA. It not only undermines the bravery and integrity of those who served but also emboldens a revisionist agenda that seeks to vilify our armed forces. Let’s remember 90% of all Troubles deaths were from the actions of terrorists.
My question to the Defence Secretary provided the Government with an opportunity to stand firmly behind the soldiers who, in the face of an immediate and lethal threat, acted appropriately and proportionately to neutralise that danger.
I welcome the Minister’s strong support for those who served in Northern Ireland. As the disgraceful witch hunt against our armed forces continues, we must ensure that those who stood firm against terrorism are not hounded by a warped view of what was right and what was wrong.”