The Armed Forces Minister came under fire from Veterans last night for missing a key vote on legal protections as it coincided with a trip to the Middle East.
Al Carns, a former Commando officer, has become a lightning rod for opposition to Labour’s Northern Ireland Legacy Bill.
Many veterans have protested against the proposed legislation which they argue paves the way for continued persecution of troops decades after operations.
Considering his former career, they also expect Carns to fight their corner and to prevent the politically driven persecution of elderly soldiers.
When he posted a video on social media, furious veterans accused Carns of chasing photo-ops and putting politics before those with whom he served.
Before entering politics Al Carns enjoyed a stellar career as a Royal Marines officer, earning a Military Cross on specialist operations against the Taliban
Labour's policies towards veterans have put Carns in a difficult position due to opposition from within the military community.
Carns also maintains a high profile on social media accounts leading to accusations he is more interested in publicity than promoting Veterans' issues.
While former Army intelligence officer Phil Ingram challenged officials to release documents proving the trip was arranged before the date of the vote was released.
Ingram told the Mail: ‘Al Carns has let himself and the veterans community down by failing to stand up for veterans with a feeble excuse he had to go to the Middle East.
‘And then for failing to failing to call for the PM to be held properly to account. Carns should remember the behaviour you walk past is the behaviour you accept.’
Following the Mail’s Stop the Betrayal campaign, ministers have paused the Bill to allow for further consultation with interest groups.
Those include the regimental associations of Special Forces units whose representatives have threatened legal action against the government.
In Parliament last week Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn was forced to acknowledge ‘we must do more through the legislation to safeguard our veterans community’.
Labour, and Carns particularly, remain under pressure to come up with protections similar to the previous Conservative government’s Legacy Act.
The law championed by former Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer effectively banned all Troubles-era prosecutions.
Decorated Afghan veteran Trevor Coult joined those criticising Carns saying: ‘Given his distinguished service, veterans expected leadership, not silence, or a minister going missing in action.
‘Missing votes that directly impact those who served is deeply disappointing and raises serious questions about priorities.’
Carns posted on X on Tuesday night: ‘I spent the last few days in four countries across the Middle East visiting British Forces on live operations. Our Armed Forces personnel there are working with our allies and partners on the rapidly evolving situation. That’s why I wasn’t in Westminster for yesterday’s vote on the Northern Ireland Legacy Bill.
‘I understand why people feel strongly about this. But the crisis in the Middle East is already affecting us and it’s ongoing. I served for 24 years. I know what it means to be asked to put your life on the line for this country and I know what we owe the people who do.
‘For those who served in Northern Ireland, and for their families, this is not an abstract issue. It is about truth, justice and how we treat those who put themselves on the line for our country.
‘My focus is clear: to make sure the process does not become the punishment, to recognise the difference in law and in fact between those who served the state under orders and those who set out to harm it, and to support veterans and their families in getting as close as possible to truth, reconciliation and justice.’