The UK Government has introduced a new Troubles Bill designed to provide effective protections for military veterans and reform the Legacy Commission, addressing the legacy of Northern Ireland's past. The proposed legislation replaces the previous government's controversial Legacy Act, which was deemed flawed and left veterans without lawful protection, exposed to what the government describes as a 'legal wild west'.
Key Provisions for Veterans
The Bill proposes 'effective protections' for veterans who served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, including being treated with dignity and respect when approached for information. Cold calls to veterans will be stopped, and requests for veterans to travel to Northern Ireland to give evidence will be eliminated. The legislation also pledges no needless duplication of previous investigations.
Reformed Legacy Commission
The Troubles Bill will see a reformed Legacy Commission, reconstituted from the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), aimed at inspiring confidence among victims and families. The commission will have powers to investigate and fact-find for families affected by the Troubles across the UK, with new governance arrangements, a statutory victims and survivors advisory group, and new conflict of interest duties.
Limited Restoration of Inquests
A limited number of legacy inquests will be restored under the Bill. The government emphasises that nobody will receive immunity for terrorist crimes, and the strongest safeguards will be put in place for veterans and all who served to bring about peace.
Independent Commission on Information Retrieval
The Bill also proposes an Independent Commission on Information Retrieval (ICIR), jointly with the Irish Government, consistent with the Stormont House Agreement. Initially operating on a pilot basis, it will provide families with an additional means to retrieve information. Any information disclosed by individuals to the ICIR will be inadmissible in criminal and civil proceedings.
Reactions and Criticism
Grainne Teggart, Northern Ireland deputy director at Amnesty International UK, criticised the government's claim of a 'legal wild west', stating it dangerously distorts reality. She argued there is no witch hunt against former soldiers and that the government's priority should be delivering legislation and effective investigations that victims can genuinely have confidence in. She noted that since the Good Friday Agreement, only one former soldier has been convicted for a Troubles-related offence, and called for an end to secrecy, delay, and obstruction.
Government's Stance
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn stated that the government is committed to delivering the Troubles Bill as the only viable way to generate confidence across communities, enable information sharing by Irish authorities, and put in place safeguards for former service personnel. He described it as a final chance to get legacy right.
