Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill has voiced strong opposition to proposed new protections for military veterans in the government’s legacy bill, stating she will not support any legislation that gives preferential treatment to British state forces.
O’Neill said she is “deeply concerned” over the direction of the bill, which is being overhauled by the Labour Government after the previous Conservative administration’s Legacy Act introduced a ban on inquests and civil actions related to Troubles-era incidents. The joint UK-Ireland framework announced last September included commitments to remove a controversial conditional immunity provision for perpetrators.
Last week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated that new protections for veterans would be added to the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill. O’Neill criticised this move, saying it deviates from the agreed framework and fails to command support from victims and survivors.
Speaking ahead of a meeting with Secretary of State Hilary Benn, O’Neill said she would make clear her position: “What we need to see is legislation that actually commands the support of victims and survivors, and is human rights compliant. There cannot be any scenario where there is preferential treatment.” She added that she will not back any legislation that gives preferential treatment to British state forces.
The First Minister’s remarks highlight ongoing tensions over the legacy bill, with Sinn Féin insisting that any legal framework must be human rights compliant and apply equally to all parties involved in the conflict.
