THE exclusion of torture and war crimes in the Overseas Operations Bill is “indefensible” and puts troops on a “different legal basis” than society, the House of Lords heard today.

The government’s legislation, which has already been through the Commons, seeks to limit “false and historical allegations” regarding troops in overseas operations by introducing a statutory presumption against prosecution.

The presumption would make it exceptional for personnel to be prosecuted after five years or more since an incident.