Carns Faces Backlash for Skipping Vote on Vet Protections

0:00On April 30th, Armed Forces Minister Al Karnes faced heavy backlash from veterans after skipping a crucial vote on protections in the Northern Ireland. Legacy Bill The vote clashed with his trip to the Middle East to visit British troops. Veterans see the bill as opening the door to old prosecutions against soldiers who served decades ago. Karnes, a former Royal Marines Commando, with a military cross from Taliban ops, built his rep on fighting for troops. But many in the military community expected him to block what they call politically motivated attacks on aging veterans. Outrage poured in online, and from vet leaders like ex-intel officer Phil Ingram and Afghan vet Trevor Colt. They slam Karnes for prioritizing the trip over the vote, and not pushing the Prime Minister harder on vet safeguards. The government paused the bill after pushback, including threats of lawsuits from special forces groups. Northern Ireland's Secretary Hillary Ben admitted they need stronger protections for veterans.

1:01Pressure keys mounting on labor and Karnes to match the Old Conservative Legacy Act, which blocked trouble's air prosecutions. Karnes insists his work abroad supports troops too, aiming for truth and justice without punishing those who served under orders.