THE British government was accused of planning to cover up the truth about the 1972 Bloody Sunday killings and other atrocities in Northern Ireland at a memorial service in Derry yesterday.

Michael McKinney, whose brother William was one of the 13 peaceful protesters shot dead by British soldiers 50 years ago, slammed plans to introduce an amnesty for Troubles-related crimes.

“The British government intend to announce an end to all legacy investigations,” he told those gathered.

“They intend to announce it because they are scared,” Mr McKinney charged.

“Scared that their soldiers, spooks and civil servants will be exposed and that their role as a combatant and catalyst in the war in Ireland will be highlighted around the world.

“They are trying to deny us justice because they are scared to face justice.

“But we want to send a very clear warning to the British government. If they pursue their proposals the Bloody Sunday families will be ready to meet them head on.

“We will not go away and we will not be silenced,” he continued. “We will expose them for what they are — an embarrassment to any democracy founded on the rule of law.”

The case against the only British soldier charged with murder over the killings — known only as Soldier F — was dropped last July leading to an angry backlash.