A former SAS veteran has said there is “no chance” he would go to battle for Britain while Sir Keir Starmer is the Prime Minister.
Matthew Hellyer expressed his fury, claiming Sir Keir is “ripping Britain apart”. This follows the Prime Minister’s proposal of sending troops to Ukraine as a peacekeeping force following a deal to end the country’s ongoing war with Russia.
Mr Hellyer has over 25 years of military experience but would be reluctant to go to Ukraine under the leadership of Sir Keir.
He told GB News: “I wouldn’t encourage any soldiers to go out there and pick weapons up until we get a legal framework in place that protects our servicemen and women doing their job.”
Mr Hellyer made reference to ongoing legal cases in Northern Ireland where soldiers are facing possible court cases over action they took, which had approval by the government at the time.
Sir Keir Starmer said he would send British troops to Ukraine (Image: Getty)
He added: “This is no doubt the weakest government we’ve had since Margaret Thatcher. If we had Mrs Thatcher back in the seat, the army would be full to the brim, but Starmer is ripping us apart.
“Not a chance I would bear arms for that man.”
The veteran said how British troops will now be trained for the possible deployment of the army.
However, he explained there is no incentive for soldiers to fight, especially following the changes to the current tax-free death in service payments – the money given to families of deceased Armed Forces members.
From April 2027, grieving families of military workers will be hit with inheritance tax after Labour MPs voted in favour of the raid.
The prime minister has divided opinion with Germany and Spain standing against his decision (Image: Getty)
He continued: “Fighting for this country used to mean something. It is ingrained in my heart. I have faced enemy on many battlefields, proudly so.
“Why would I want to fight for this country when I know that as soon as I come home, I am facing a judge and a court case? It’s just not on.”
Sir Keir said earlier this week that he is “ready and willing” to send British troops to Ukraine, with France and Sweden signalling their support too.
However, the announcement has caused a divide across both the country and Europe, as Germany rejected these calls, labelling them as “premature”, with Poland and Spain opposing it too.
