Dennis Hutchings’ family have asked for no political speeches or banners at the veteran’s funeral amid fears anti-Army protestors will attempt to disrupt it.
His family made the request through Johnny Mercer, the former defence minister who quit in protest at the ongoing prosecutions and investigations into military veterans. He had accompanied Hutchings to Belfast to give his support ahead of his trial.
Hutchings was charged with the attempted murder of John Pat Cunningham in Co Tyrone in 1974, which he denied.
However, he died in Belfast last week at the age of 80 after contracting Covid-19 while on trial over a shooting during the Troubles.
In a statement the family said: “Flags are permitted; banners are not. The family have specifically requested no political slogans, speeches, or banners on the day.”
It is understood that they are worried Hutchings’ funeral might become “political”.
“There was a concern that it would be Northern Ireland veterans’ groups giving speeches about IRA veterans and this is not what it’s about,” a source told The Telegraph.
“Lots of different groups have protested over the years, some have splintered and become anarchistic and militaristic.” However, the source cautioned that “the vast majority are protesting the unfairness of it rather than politics of what goes on in Northern Ireland”.
The funeral will take place in St Andrew’s Church, Plymouth, on Nov 11.
Mr Mercer said: “I am surprised by successive government’s apparent shame at the Northern Ireland generation of veterans; even more so given the current Secretary of State for Defence served there himself.
“The family have heard nothing from any minister or serving military officer since Dennis passed, which is regrettable.”
Mr Mercer said he knew this was in “stark contrast to the nation itself which is extremely proud of the heroic sacrifices of that generation in Northern Ireland and I am sure you will see that displayed on the day”.
The Ministry of Defence has been approached for comment.