Former British soldiers arrested in connection with the Bloody Sunday killings will have their legal fees paid by the Department of Defence, it has been confirmed.

Last Tuesday, Lance Corporal J became the first person to be arrested in connection with the killings. He has since been released on bail.

Ben Wallace, parliamentary under secretary of state at the Northern Ireland Office, confirmed the measure while speaking in the House of Commons, saying that the commitment was an “essential part” of its duty of care to current and former members.

He said: “We will pay for independent legal advice, so that they are able to defend themselves when they face legal proceedings on matters related to their former service.”

It is understood that this will be true of former soldiers arrested in connection with any incident.

However, Mr Wallace refused to comment on the legal bid by seven ex-soldiers to end the criminal investigation into Bloody Sunday, saying the decision was a matter for bodies who are “independent and act independently of government”.

Mr Wallace said: “The government cannot therefore comment on an individual case. This government is committed to the rule of law.”

He added: “Where there is evidence of wrongdoing it is right that it should be investigated.”