Labour's Veterans Minister 'ignored pleas' to give evidence at SAS war crimes inquiry - even when top Tory Johnny Mercer faced a jail sentence for protecting his anonymity

The Veterans Minister allegedly ignored a High Court judge's plea to provide evidence to a public inquiry into claims British Special Forces committed war crimes. The inquiry's hearings have taken evidence from witnesses including former veterans minister Johnny Mercer and former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace. Mr Mercer, who served alongside Mr Carns in Afghanistan, was involved in a furious spat with Lord Justice Haddon-Cave earlier this year over his refusal to name his sources. Al Carns, who served in Afghanistan as a Royal Marines officer before becoming a Labour MP in July, may have withheld critical information for several months, the Mail revealed yesterday - he is pictured here following the announcement Birmingham will host the 2027 Invictus Games Johnny Mercer, who served alongside Mr Carns in Afghanistan, was involved in a furious spat with Lord Justice Haddon-Cave earlier this year over his refusal to name his sources Mr Mercer apparently asked Mr Carns to come forward to the inquiry – but it is understood he declined to do so. Mr Mercer apparently asked Mr Carns to come forward to the inquiry – but it is understood he declined to do so, the Mail learned Leading judge Lord Justice Haddon-Cave is currently heading an investigation into claims the SAS executed up to 80 Afghans while in UK custody In 2011 he was awarded the Military Cross 'in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan', and he received an OBE in 2022.