Heath fears on Sunday inquiry

Former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath and ex-Foreign Secretary Lord Carrington today argued that they should not give evidence to the Bloody Sunday inquiry in Ireland because their lives would be in danger.

Lawyers acting on behalf of the Tories are asking for them to be allowed to take the witness stand in London, claiming they would be at enormous risk from terrorist attacks if they had to travel to Londonderry for the tribunal.

While no medical condition prevents them travelling, lawyers argue that on common sense and humanitarian grounds they would be placed under severe strain if they had to travel to Northern Ireland, and if there was an attack, their ages would prevent them from making a quick escape.

Sir Edward will be 86 and Lord Carrington will be 83 when they testify.