Veterans commissioners issue joint statement voicing concern over Northern Ireland Troubles Bill

The bill, which will among other things set up the new Legacy Commission to look into historic Troubles cases, will get its second reading in the House of Commons.

There has been heavy criticism of the government’s “six new protections for veterans”, many of which are codified in the bill, on the grounds that they are either weak or actually apply to anyone, paramilitaries included, rather than being specific to veterans – or both.

The bill is also part of the government’s policy to restart pre-1998 inquests, and to reopen the civil courts to claims of wrongdoing during the Troubles.

A joint statement has been released tonight from the veterans commissioners of Northern Ireland (David Johnstone), Scotland (Susie Hamilton), and Wales (James Phillips).

It says: “We have spent the period since the first reading of the bill engaging with the government on behalf of the veteran community to express the level of anger and frustration that the implications of the Northern Ireland Troubles bill raises for those that served during Operation Banner.

“In discussions with ministers and officials we reaffirmed our previous statements on the legacy proposals and expressed real concerns around veteran protections, lawfare, historical narrative revision, and disparities between how ex-security force personnel and other parties are treated.

“Our underpinning purpose has been to ensure that all veterans who served in Northern Ireland are treated fairly and with the respect their loyal service warrants.

“We have engaged constructively with ministers on the elements of the bill that directly affect veterans, and they have indicated that further planned engagements with ministers and senior officials should result in changes to the legislation that will provide an improvement for the veteran community.

“We therefore call upon the United Kingdom government to deliver on these promises and use the opportunity of the Bill’s Second Reading to provide unequivocal clarity, reassurance, and meaningful safeguards for those veterans affected.

"The government must not only listen to the concerns of veterans but also communicate directly, consistently, and transparently with them regarding the bill’s purpose, scope, and intent.

“We expect to see a clear, ongoing commitment to substantive engagement and tangible action as this legislation progresses.

"The trust of the veteran and serving community depends upon it.”