Veterans' threat to VE Day
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Second World War veterans are threatening to boycott the Government's VE Day celebrations in May unless the controversial murder conviction of Northern Ireland paratrooper Lee Clegg is quashed.
Clegg, now 26, was sentenced to life for the killing of a 19-year-old girl during an incident at an Army checkpoint in the province nearly five years ago.
Colonel Leonard Fitzroy-Smith has said that Parachute Regiment Association branches and at least one Royal British Legion branch had already come forward to support a boycott.
"They feel it would be two-faced to support the Government's VE-Day celebrations if Pte Clegg is still in prison," said Col Fitzroy-Smith.
"This is the spontaneous reaction of branches over just a few days since the House of Lords turned down his appeal," added Col Fitzroy-Smith, who is from Darlington and is helping to organise support.
A formidable team of former Para officers will unveil details tomorrow of what they claim are inconsistencies in the original court case and new forensic evidence.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments