An SAS veteran has warned the Government will be putting the country 'in peril' if it presses ahead with prosecutions of special forces soldiers for historic allegations. 

Robert Craft, 68, served in the SAS for 14 years and was part of the renowned B Squadron, which was heavily involved in both covert and undercover intelligence during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. 

But, he said their numbers are now dwindling significantly as there is a lack of recruits from regular forces signing on and retention rates continue to drop. 

Mr Craft fears the Government's new legacy legislation, which has opened up the possibility to be tried for past conflicts, is putting off recruits and could even put UK citizens at risk if the SAS struggles to put boots on the ground.

'At such a dangerous time as this, with so many war risks ongoing, the threat from Russia, pressure on the SAS could be putting the UK in peril,' the veteran told the Sunday Mirror.

The Conservatives' Legacy Act, which was introduced in 2023, had put a block on any inquests. But last year, the High Court and the Court of Appeal in Belfast found that the immunity clause was unlawful and incompatible with the ECHR.

In response, the Government introduced The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, with the aim to create a new framework for addressing Troubles-related deaths. 

And while it is supposed to provide protections for veterans, there are former SAS soldiers in their late 60's and 70's who are now facing investigations into operations during their time served. 

SAS veteran Robert Craft, 68, (pictured) has warned the Government will be putting the country 'in peril' if it presses ahead with prosecutions of special forces soldiers for historic allegations

British Troops under fire during the Troubles in Northern Ireland in the 1980s. New legislation being introduced by the Government will aim to create a new framework for addressing Troubles-related deaths

Mr Craft told the Mirror: 'A number of my former colleagues, I know all of them, are facing investigation many years after they have left the Armed Forces, and are now in retirement.' 

He said that one suffers from bad Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, while others have endured related mental health issues. 

Mr Craft claims they are not being supported by the new Legacy legislation and 'decision makers don't understand the complexities' of the operations they have been on the front lines of.

'We are not against the government but there are gaps in the new legacy procedure where people can still be called to an inquiry and decision makers don't understand the complexities,' he added.