Former SAS chief blames state for breaking 'moral contract' with soldiers

A former commanding officer of the SAS blamed the state for breaking a "moral contract" between the country and its top soldiers by setting up an inquiry into war crimes which has failed to reach conclusions four years on.

The Independent Inquiry Relating to Afghanistan was set up in 2022 to investigate claims that UK Special Forces committed extrajudicial killings during night raids and that the Royal Military Police probe into the allegations was a cover-up.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Williams, former Commanding Officer of 22 SAS, told Sky News soldiers are prepared to face "the unlimited liability contract" they have signed up to, to suffer injury or death to deliver what the state needs.

But a series of attempted prosecutions built up over the last 20 years has left trust between the country and troops broken.

"In all the operations I conducted, from Northern Ireland, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Balkans, Latin America and elsewhere, I always felt the state had my back," Lt Col Williams told Sky News.

"To find now that those operations directed by the state, endorsed by the state, bound by the state, is being dragged through the courts, would make me wonder if I was a young SAS officer now, as to whether I could trust the state after the event to support my necessary actions in close-quarter combat."

In an internal memo sent to members on Friday, and seen by Sky News, the SAS Regimental Association warned its members "the moral contract between the state and its soldiers has been weakened or even broken".

It said members are concerned that prolonged scrutiny and adverse publicity could deter volunteers or encourage experienced personnel to leave, and said members were leaving early due to the current activity against the Special Forces.

"The risk to a highly specialised capability warrants serious attention," the memo read. "We do sense the mood of our members and the message on retention is a noticeably negative one."

Lt Col Williams described the inquiry as a "persecuting agent for the state," and said those in charge need to review the way the probe is being conducted and "ask whether it is fit for purpose".

He said: "Is it delivering what it's supposed to do? And is it delivering it in ways that is least damaging for the state actor and the relationship between soldiers and the state?"

Reacting to the memo, the former commanding officer, who left the army before the operation in Afghanistan, insisted he had never encountered any soldier breaking rules.

"We've done everything for the state, is the state now doing everything for us? It doesn't feel that way," he said.

On 15 December, the inquiry, chaired by Lord Justice Haddon-Cave, will move into its fifth year.

While many parts have been held in secret, around 30 days of open hearings have heard from a range of witnesses including military whistleblowers, former civil servants and investigators.

This week the inquiry was shown photographs of dead Afghan males who appeared to have been shot in the head while asleep.

In September, the inquiry announced the disclosure of 97 million documents by the Ministry of Defence which had previously not been released. Observers warned it could delay or derail proceedings.

Lawyers for the MoD this week said more files could be disclosed on Friday 20 November.

On Thursday, Lord Justice Haddon-Cave said a deadline of 30 April next year to complete hearing all evidence "must be kept".

An MOD spokesperson said: "Our personnel are respected worldwide for their professionalism and dedication, and they make extraordinary sacrifices in defence of the nation.

"Much of their work goes unseen and unsung, but that in no way diminishes the enormous pride we have in their service and the vital role they play in keeping our country safe."

(c) Sky News 2026: Former SAS chief blames state for breaking 'moral contract' with soldiers