'Sorry to have been relieved of my responsibilities' says Plymouth MP
Moor View MP Johnny Mercer has left his post as Junior Defence Minister
Last updated 21st Apr 2021
Downing Street has confirmed that Plymouth MP Johnny Mercer has quit as Veterans Minister.
It is thought the former British Army officer was unhappy about a lack of progress in dealing with former personnel being investigated for killings during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, he said he was resigning with a "heavy heart".
Mr Mercer said he was "forced" to resign because of his disagreements with the scope of a new bill.
This new government law is designed to protect veterans from unfounded prosecutions. However, Mercer said it was a "red line" for him that British soldiers who served in Northern Ireland are excluded.
Since posting his letter online to Twitter it has gained a lot of traction - with more than 1,500 replies.
The MP has been in his role as Junior Defence Minister since 2019. Boris Johnson has thanked him for his service.