Three of the main political parties in Northern Ireland have reacted to Nigel Farage’s announcement that a Reform government would end prosecutions of Troubles veterans, and pardon any already convicted.

The DUP response struck a cautious tone, whilst the SDLP and Sinn Fein voiced strong rejection of the idea.

Asked about the issue in a press conference, DUP leader Gavin Robinson said: “I think he's reiterating what was in the previous Legacy Act, and we know some of the legal challenges around it.

"He can only say it because he believes the UK will leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) – it's the only way for it to run.”

placeholder image — The Reform rally where the announcements about veterans' affairs were made today

The Legacy Act, which granted de facto immunity to both ex-soldiers and ex-paramilitaries alike, ran aground after a ruling in Belfast’s Court of Appeal in 2024 found it to be incompatible with human rights law.

The Labour government is currently replacing it with its Troubles Bill.

Mr Robinson later went on to say: “We will always stand up for our veterans and defend those who defended us.

"Those who served in Northern Ireland did so to defend the entire community from terrorists and their record speaks for itself in terms of the distinguished service given.

“In the past, discussions around the role of the ECHR raised a very troubling scenario where it was proposed that whilst Great Britain may exit that convention, but Northern Ireland would remain as an afterthought to be dealt with later.

"There must be unity across the United Kingdom, whether that is on immigration policy or on support for our veterans.”

SDLP leader Claire Hanna MP said: "This extraordinary statement only illustrates the dark and authoritarian instincts of Farage and Reform, and, sadly, UK politics more generally.

"This proposal is not only a grave insult to victims and their families, it would render the rule of law meaningless and trample over the rights enshrined in the Agreement and international law.

"It simply goes to show how little Farage's party care for Northern Ireland."

And Sinn Fein MP John Finucane said: “At a time when so many families are still fighting for truth, justice and rights-based legacy processes, this is yet another outrageous suggestion from British politicians.

“Time and again, English politicians of all stripes demonstrate the contempt they hold for victims of the British state. These families, simply seeking truth and justice, have, in many cases, waited for over five decades.

“Legacy legislation must command the confidence of victims and families, be human rights compliant, and be rooted in the principles agreed at Stormont House.

"The current trajectory of Labour's Legacy Bill, focuses on the protection of state forces, while denying any prospect of attaining truth and justice for families."