SAS troops quitting in ‘significant numbers’ over legal 'witch hunts' as former commander warns UK security at risk
Britain’s elite special forces capability is being put at risk as experienced SAS soldiers quit over fears of legal “witch hunts”, a former commanding officer has warned.
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Speaking exclusively to LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Williams said the growing exodus from 22 SAS was being driven by deep concerns among serving troops that actions taken on operations could later see them dragged through investigations or arrested under human rights law.
His comments come after reports that multiple soldiers from the regiment have applied for premature voluntary release, with insiders describing the losses as “significant” and warning they pose a threat to national security.
Lt Col Williams said the fears among serving personnel were “entirely understandable”, pointing to a series of high-profile investigations into operations in Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and Syria.
He said retrospective legal scrutiny, including the application of European human rights law to historic conflicts, had created a climate where soldiers now question whether operational decisions made in good faith could later be used against them.
“For experienced SAS men who still have time to serve, they’re sitting there thinking, is it worth it?” he told LBC.
“Is the next operation I conduct, justifiably and within the rules of engagement, going to lead to this sort of follow-on? And so, justifiably, a number of them are deciding to leave.”
The concern is not just about numbers, but about confidence inside one of the military’s most specialised units.
Lt Col Williams warned that even the perception of legal risk could alter how elite troops operate on the ground, creating hesitation in situations where speed and decisiveness are critical.
“You can weaken special forces by reducing numbers, but you can also weaken them by affecting how they think and operate,” he said.
“Doubt in the minds of operators makes it easier for terrorists and, by definition, makes us weaker.”
He added that the UK faces a “constant terror threat”, both domestically and overseas, and that special forces play a crucial role in counter-terrorism operations, often working alongside police and intelligence services.
The SAS has long been at the forefront of such operations, including the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege in London, which helped define modern counter-terror tactics.
Lt Col Williams also highlighted the UK’s unique role alongside the United States, noting that Britain’s Tier 1 special forces are comparable in size to America’s most elite units, despite the vast difference in overall military resources.
He said the partnership relies on the UK maintaining a credible and capable force.
“The Americans bring scale, resources, helicopters, drones. We bring highly trained personnel,” he said.
“If that capability is diminished, it affects not just us but the wider alliance.”
Pressed on whether the situation now represents a direct risk to the country, he was blunt.
“It is putting national security at risk,” he said.
“And that’s just special forces. You can imagine the impact if similar pressures are felt across the wider armed forces.”
The warnings come amid wider concerns about the state of the UK military, with troop numbers at historic lows and ongoing questions over defence spending and readiness.
The Ministry of Defence has declined to comment on UK Special Forces but said it remains “immensely proud” of the armed forces and is committed to ensuring those who serve are properly protected within the law