Veterans Minister’s Silent Alarm: Concerns Raised Over Closure of War Crimes Probe

In a revelation that has sent ripples through the corridors of power, it has come to light that in 2019, Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer expressed significant concerns within the government about the decision to terminate an investigation into alleged war crimes by UK special forces. It was revealed that Mercer, a former British army officer, penned a letter to then-Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, warning against the premature closure of the investigation.

This inquiry, known as Operation Northmoor, had been initiated in 2014 with the purpose of scrutinizing 675 allegations of misconduct by UK armed forces in Afghanistan. Shockingly, these allegations included claims that the renowned Special Air Service (SAS) had been involved in the unlawful killing of unarmed individuals, detainees, and civilians during their military operations.

Operation Northmoor, conducted by the Royal Military Police, was, however, abruptly terminated in 2019 without any charges being filed. However, in 2022, following revelations by BBC One’s Panorama program that one SAS squadron had been involved in the suspicious deaths of 54 individuals during a six-month tour of Afghanistan, the government decided to initiate a public inquiry into these allegations.

The decision to wind down and eventually close Operation Northmoor without charges caused a stir within government ranks and the civil service. Mercer, who had worked alongside UK special forces in Afghanistan, harbored concerns that SAS units may have violated the law, engaging in activities such as shooting unarmed individuals and manipulating evidence to justify their actions. It is crucial to note that there is no suggestion that Mercer had witnessed or possessed firsthand knowledge of war crimes.

Mercer’s primary apprehension was that the government might face severe damage to its reputation if it failed to diligently investigate the allegations of war crimes and, when necessary, prosecute those responsible. An internal email from late 2019, uncovered during subsequent legal proceedings against the Ministry of Defence, suggested that Mercer believed it was essential for the government to publicly acknowledge that “things went wrong on such operations in Afghanistan.”

The deputy head of the Ministry of Defence’s legal department, in the same email, recounted dissuading Mercer from making such a statement, arguing that it could prejudice a review of Operation Northmoor being considered by a High Court judge.

Interestingly, as a serving government minister, Mercer had publicly endorsed the decisions to close both Operation Northmoor and a similar investigation pertaining to operations in Iraq, known as IHAT. The closures of these investigations followed allegations that a lawyer involved in over 1,000 cases before IHAT had paid local intermediaries in Iraq to find claimants.

Addressing the closure of Operation Northmoor, Mercer asserted that it marked a significant moment in reclaiming the ground that had been ceded over the years to those attempting to rewrite history for their own gain. Mercer also proclaimed that the allegations of UK armed forces operating death squads in Afghanistan were untrue.

In a broader context, Mercer expressed deep regret during a parliamentary debate regarding the flawed original investigations into UK operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, acknowledging that the chance to hold those responsible accountable might have been lost. He issued an unreserved apology to those who had suffered unacceptable treatment at the hands of UK forces.

When approached for comment, Johnny Mercer stated that given the ongoing Independent Inquiry related to Afghanistan, it would be inappropriate to comment on this matter.

Operation Northmoor has faced criticism over the years due to perceived shortcomings, such as the failure to interview key witnesses or secure crucial evidence related to allegations of extrajudicial killings. Officers from the Royal Military Police claimed they were obstructed by senior military figures from interviewing special forces officers and accessing forensic evidence, and the investigation was prematurely closed before they could complete their work.

The Ministry of Defence declined to comment on allegations that may fall under the purview of the public inquiry, which is scheduled to commence hearings shortly. This revelation casts a spotlight on the delicate balance between military operations and accountability, especially in situations where war crimes are alleged.