Soldiers who served in The Troubles could face a fresh 'witch hunt' after Labour axes Northern Ireland amnesty law offering legal protection for veterans

Elderly veterans could face a fresh witch hunt after Labour confirmed it would repeal the new Northern Ireland Legacy Act.

The legislation was intended to prevent soldiers being pursued over spurious claims relating to British military operations in the province decades ago.

The move was championed by Conservative veterans minister Johnny Mercer to prevent troops being 'hounded to the grave' by lawyers.

But the Act was opposed by Unionists who insisted any amnesty would deny them justice for crimes which were overlooked decades ago.

Earlier this year, a Belfast court ruled that any immunity from prosecution would be in breach of the European Convention of Human Rights.

The previous Conservative government said it would appeal the verdict but, yesterday, the Northern Ireland Secretary said it would not pursue the matter.

Responding to a parliamentary question, Hilary Benn said: 'The declarations of incompatibility that the Government is no longer challenging include those relating to the conditional immunity provisions.

'These could - had they not been struck out by the High Court - have seen individuals granted immunity for providing information about Troubles-related deaths and serious injuries.

'This is the first step to repealing and replacing the Act. Victims and survivors felt ignored by the previous government's approach to legacy, which was clearly rejected by communities in Northern Ireland.'

Veterans have previously described Labour's plans to repeal the act as 'vandalism' and a 'slap in the face to brave soldiers'.

Paul Young, from the Northern Ireland Veterans Movement, accused Labour of 'failing to understand or care' about veterans.

The Act has prevented some legal cases involving British troops going ahead.

But a pledge to repeal it was included in Labour's General Election manifesto. The party claimed the Act 'denies justice to the families and victims of the Troubles'.