Johnny Mercer has blasted the Ministry of Defence for refusing to let Dennis Hutchings have soldiers carry his coffin at his Armistice Day funeral.
The MP slammed military bosses for ‘dodging’ and ‘blaming commanding officers and ministers’ for blocking the request of the late Troubles veteran and his family.
Mr Mercer, who supported Mr Hutchings during his trial in Belfast over a 1974 shooting, said he still cannot get top brass to commit to an answer.
It comes as the late soldier’s relatives yesterday appealed for there to be no political messaging as they lay him to rest next month.
They said they welcomed as many people as want to go and said flags were permitted but called for no banners, slogans or speeches.
Mr Hutchings, from Cawsand in Cornwall, died aged 80 in Northern Ireland’s capital after contracting Covid-19 earlier this month.
His death prompted questions by unionist politicians over the decision to prosecute him almost 50 years later.
Dennis Hutchings’ friend the MP Johnny Mercer (pictured together in Belfast earlier this month) slammed the Ministry of Defence for ‘blaming commanding officers and ministers’
The family of Northern Ireland vet Dennis Hutchings have urged people to avoid politicising his funeral next month. Pictured right: Hutchings in dress uniform at Knightsbridge Barracks, 1978
Supporters of Mr Hutchings congregated together outside Laganside Court in Belfast during his trial earlier this month
Mr Mercer has been left outraged by MoD officials and politicians for not confirming Mr Hutchings’ coffin can be carried by soldiers from the Life Guards at his funeral on November 11.
He told MailOnline: ‘I still can’t get an answer as to whether Dennis’ family will get his wish.
‘Ministers claim its for Commanding Officers to decide; Commanding Officers then blame Ministers.
‘It’s not hard for someone to make a decision, but encapsulates how difficult this has been to make sure Dennis is looked after.
‘Frankly I’m a little tired of reading all the vexed letters and emails from retired Military Officers and Ministers who decry the appalling treatment of this man, but did nothing to help him when they had the opportunity, or are too frightened to raise their head in public now.
‘I’ve never understood the shame we seem to have towards this generation of Veterans. I know the wider country is fiercely proud of them. As am I.’
Mr Hutchings travelled to Belfast this month to stand trial for attempted murder, despite suffering from kidney failure.
He said he was determined to clear his name over his alleged role in the shooting of John Pat Cunningham in County Tyrone almost 50 years ago.
But just days into the trial, Mr Hutchings fell ill. He contracted Covid and died alone in hospital on October 18, despite pleas to return to his native Cornwall.
It is up to each regiment to decide whether it grants military funerals for retired soldiers.
But Mr Hutchings’ family were reportedly told it could not be accommodated because he was no longer serving.
His son John said at the weekend: ‘I have only asked the Life Guards one thing in the last six-and-a-half years [since Mr Hutchings’ arrest] and that is to have pallbearers in uniform.
‘I was told you have to be a serving soldier but he was in court for his service as a soldier. It’s bang out of order.
‘He served 26 years in the Army, put his life on the line. I’m really, really disappointed with the decision. Dad loved the Life Guards.’
Mr Hutchings’ partner, Kim Devonshire, added: ‘He was on trial in Northern Ireland fighting on behalf of all the other soldiers, so he was still serving.
‘He was representing more than 200 soldiers who could still be prosecuted over their service in Northern Ireland.’
Major Derek Stratford, who served alongside Mr Hutchings in the Life Guards, said he contacted the Life Guards Association on Friday to request pallbearers.
He said he was told ‘the commanding officer had said no, it can’t be arranged in this day and time’.
The 88-year-old added: ‘I think it ought to be and I’m disgusted he can’t have it.’
Mr Hutchings is pictured being greeted by a supporter as he arrived at Belfast Crown Court on October 4
Mr Hutchings is photographed on the far right in this picture from his time in in Germany in 1960
Ben Wallace, who served in the Scots Guards, stoked a military row at the weekend as he appeared to back Mr Hutchings’ family.
Mr Wallace said: ‘If he wants pallbearers at his funeral and the commanding officer is willing to release them, he served his country, he’s not been convicted of anything.
‘I did actually direct the [MoD] to help bring his body back from Northern Ireland, or facilitate it.’
Mr Hutchings family requested all those who want to come to the veteran’s funeral not to turn it into a political rally.
They said in a statement: ‘The family are aware of the great deal of interest from those who supported Dennis in attending his funeral.
‘The family are grateful for all the incredible support over many years and are looking forward to welcoming as many people as can make it to Plymouth on November 11. All are welcome.
‘Flags are permitted, banners are not. The family have specifically requested no political slogans, speeches or banners on the day.’
The MoD said: ‘The MoD supported Mr Hutchings throughout his trial with legal representation and pastoral care, which will continue to be offered to his family.’
The spokesman added: ‘We have not been approached to provide pallbearers for the funeral.’ A spokesman for the Life Guards Association declined to comment.
The funeral for Mr Hutchings will be at St Andrew’s Church in Plymouth on November 11, which is also Remembrance Day.