The head of the association representing Britain's elite special forces has issued a stark warning that legal actions targeting soldiers risk undermining national security. Brigadier Ed Butler, a retired commander of the 22 SAS and newly appointed president of the SAS Regimental Association (Sasra), said ongoing legal challenges aimed at service members are damaging morale and deterring potential recruits, thereby weakening the United Kingdom's defence capabilities.
In his first public interview since taking the role, Butler criticized the government for failing to support military personnel, particularly those who served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. He indicated that Sasra is preparing to pursue legal action against the government to shield veterans from prosecutions under Labour’s Troubles Act and is initiating efforts to establish a fighting fund for this purpose.
Butler also expressed concern over the increasing use of human rights legislation to investigate soldiers’ conduct during combat operations, describing this trend as “lawfare.” He suggested the negative climate surrounding these investigations has led some potential candidates to disqualify themselves from applying for SAS selection, fearing persecution not only related to historical conflicts but also more recent deployments.
“The very worst case scenario is you have a completely whittled-down special forces capability,” Butler said. “Because no one would be prepared to join it and do these high-risk, high-return operations if their back isn’t covered.” He emphasized that this is not solely a special forces issue but affects the wider Armed Forces and could have significant repercussions for national security.
His comments come amid heightened tensions between NATO allies and Russia, with Western intelligence agencies warning of sabotage campaigns by Moscow and the risk of miscalculations triggering further conflict. Recent statements from Russia’s foreign ministry accused Britain and France of exacerbating hostilities by supporting Ukraine.
Butler’s critique also touches on the ongoing political debate over the Troubles Bill, which is expected to be reintroduced to Parliament amid efforts to provide answers to victims’ families from Northern Ireland's conflict. While some politicians advocate for the bill’s passage as a means of justice, others, including former Armed Forces minister Al Carns, warn it could expose veterans to indefinite legal threats.
The Brigadier’s remarks mark a significant public censure of the government by the SAS community, historically discrete in its objections. He highlighted a perceived erosion of trust between the state and its Armed Forces, asserting that maintaining Britain’s status as home to one of the world’s premier special forces requires reliable support from political leaders.
Butler, who was himself cleared of murder allegations stemming from his service in Northern Ireland, urged the government to reconsider its approach, warning that continued legal pressures could irreparably harm the Armed Forces. “Trust goes both ways,” he said. “If you want to maintain the world’s premiere special forces organisation, you’ve got to look after it.”