Military veterans representatives meet with NI Secretary of State

Military veterans concerned at the outworkings of the Troubles legacy process in Northern Ireland have met with NI Secretary Brandon Lewis for the first time.
NI Secretary of State, Brandon Lewis.NI Secretary of State, Brandon Lewis.
NI Secretary of State, Brandon Lewis.

Paul Young and Robin Horsfall, representing three major groupings made up of tens of thousands of former military personnel, said it was important that the views of the veterans were heard at the highest level.

They said veterans have emphasised concerns around the effects of repeated returns to court hearings by many “ageing men who are in poor health,” and the effect that in turn has on their families.

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In a joint statement following the meeting on Tuesday, the pair said: “The meeting has been both informative and reassuring and it is good to know, at last, that our concerns are fully understood and are being considered at the highest levels.

“We have pushed hard for representation and at last we feel that we now have a seat at the table.”

They also said that Mr Lewis explained many of the complications he faces within the legal and political process when attempting to deal with legacy issues.

The veterans’ representatives said: “Northern Ireland veterans have fought for five years to have representation concerning the unfair persecution of veterans who were previously cleared of wrong-doing.”

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In August 2020, both Mr Young and Mr Horsfall gave evidence on Troubles legacy issues to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee at Westminster.

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