The UK Government has responded to criticism from Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone regarding its proposed reforms to address the legacy of the Troubles. Johnstone contends that the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill treats veterans “worse than terrorists,” raising concerns about the treatment of former service members involved in conflict situations.
The proposed legislation aims to establish a commission tasked with investigating killings related to the Troubles, as well as a separate body for information recovery. Under the previous Conservative government, all police investigations into Troubles-related killings were halted in May 2024 as part of the earlier Legacy Act. In its place, the new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) was created, which is now part of the Labour Party’s framework agreed upon with the Irish Government.
In an interview with The Times, Johnstone expressed deep concerns about the implications of the new bill. He stated, “It treats them worse than terrorists because under the Bill they will be exposed to the full force of the law, for in many cases following orders.” He contrasted this with the post-1998 situation, when individuals engaged in terrorist activities were often released from prison and given pardons.
In light of these remarks, a spokesperson for the UK Government defended the legislation, stating, “The vast majority of those killed during the Troubles were murdered by terrorists.” The spokesperson emphasized that many families are still seeking answers about the deaths of their loved ones and have turned to the independent commission for information.
The spokesperson further clarified that the Troubles Bill aims to empower victims and families, including numerous armed forces families, to seek justice and clarity through a reformed commission. “The last government’s proposal to give immunity to terrorists was wrong,” the spokesperson added. “It was rejected by the courts and by victims and many veterans alike. Any government would have had to replace it.”
The government asserts that the new bill will introduce six protections for veterans, reinforcing its commitment to distinguish the actions of armed forces from those of terrorists. The spokesperson concluded, “We will never equate the actions of terrorists with those of our brave armed forces.”
With the ongoing discussions surrounding the legislation, the impact on veterans and victims alike remains a critical issue for many in Northern Ireland and beyond.
