MINISTERS who send British troops into battle will be forced to own their decisions under a new law being put down before MPs.

Politicians will have to formally sign off the use of military force in and make clear who takes responsibility.

Journalists covert surveillance tribunalTory MP David Davis has put forward a bill to tighten up protections for troops being put in to battle by ministers Credit: PA A soldier wearing camouflage and a Union Jack flag on their uniform sits in a military vehicle with a mounted machine gun.Fat-cat lawyers would have to prove pursuing certain troops is in the public interest before prosecuting them

Tory MP Sir wants soldiers to be protected from being hounded through the for years after making split-second decisions on the battlefield.

Fat-cat lawyers would have to prove pursuing certain troops is in the public interest before prosecuting them.

Sir David said: “Service personnel are asked to make decisions in conditions of danger and uncertainty, often under intense time pressure.

“If those decisions are later judged against legal standards which do not match up to the operational environment, the result can be years of legal jeopardy for those who acted lawfully and can provoke hesitation within the chain of command.”

Decisions are being picked apart in the courts years later rather than resting with politicians who declare war, an accompanying report argues.

Prosperity Institute’s Alexander Gray said: “Unfounded or repetitive claims should not be allowed to torment those who served honourably. This is not only a historical problem.

“Such investigations and the fear of retrospective legal action are now having direct operational consequences, including the resignation of experienced special forces personnel, increasingly risk-averse behaviour on operations, and difficulty in recruitment.”

Key parts of the Bill include full legal aid for veterans and ensuring inquiries are informed by military expertise.