Gaston voices support for veterans as Soldier F trial over Bloody Sunday begins

North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston pictured with campaigners outside Laganside Court in Belfast

TUV North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston has pledged his party’s unwavering support for veterans, as the long-awaited trial of “Soldier F” over the Bloody Sunday killings opened at Laganside Court in Belfast.

Speaking after meeting campaigners outside the court this morning, Monday 15 September, Mr Gaston said there was widespread anger within the Unionist community and among former servicemen across the United Kingdom.

“There is growing anger across the Unionist community—and among veterans across the UK—at what is increasingly seen as double standards in the treatment of terrorists versus those who served in uniform for Queen and country,” he said.

He contrasted the prosecution of an ex-soldier with the treatment of republican paramilitaries during the peace process.

“While an elderly ex-serviceman has been dragged before the courts today, IRA terrorists have received letters of comfort and even Royal Pardons,” he added.

Mr Gaston reaffirmed the Traditional Unionist Voice’s commitment to supporting veterans, particularly those who served during the Troubles.

“TUV will always stand with those who held the line between anarchy and justice, and we will oppose any attempts to rewrite history by portraying our security forces as the villains.”

Background: Bloody Sunday and the Soldier F Case

The case centres on events in Londonderry (Derry) on 30 January 1972, when British soldiers of the Parachute Regiment opened fire on a civil rights march in the Bogside area.

Thirteen unarmed protesters were killed and another died later, bringing the death toll to 14. Many victims were shot while fleeing or attempting to help the wounded.

The initial Widgery Tribunal, held in 1972, largely cleared the soldiers’ actions but was heavily criticised. In 2010, the Saville Inquiry overturned those findings, concluding that the killings were “unjustified and unjustifiable”.

Following the Saville Report, in 2019 the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) announced that one former paratrooper, known only as Soldier F, would face two counts of murder (James Wray and William McKinney) and five counts of attempted murder.

The case stalled in 2021 when concerns were raised over the admissibility of historical statements given by soldiers in 1972. However, legal challenges by victims’ families saw the courts order the prosecution to resume.

Current trial

The trial has now begun at Belfast Crown Court and is being heard by a judge sitting without a jury, reflecting both the sensitivities and security considerations surrounding the case.

Soldier F remains anonymous, with special measures in place including the use of a curtain in the courtroom to shield his identity from the public gallery.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Wider debate

The Soldier F trial has reignited long-running disputes over how Northern Ireland deals with the legacy of the Troubles. For the families of those killed on Bloody Sunday, the case represents a long-delayed opportunity for accountability.

For many within the Unionist community and veterans’ groups, it has raised questions about fairness, given that former paramilitaries benefited from amnesties, “letters of comfort”, and even Royal Pardons as part of the peace process.

Mr Gaston’s comments reflect that tension, with Unionists warning of a potential rewriting of history that casts security forces as aggressors rather than protectors.

As the trial continues, it is expected to draw close attention not only from Northern Ireland but also from across the UK, where debates over veterans’ rights, historical justice, and reconciliation remain deeply divisive.