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Veterans to Get ‘Additional Protections’ in Troubles Bill, Says NI Secretary
The government will add amendments to protect veterans and victims after 10 live Troubles prosecutions remain, officials said.
- On Wednesday, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn announced the government will delay the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill to introduce a substantial package of amendments designed to further safeguard Operation Banner veterans.
- Introduced last year, the legislation aimed to "repeal and replace" the "failed" Legacy Act, fulfilling an election pledge to establish a new, joint approach to dealing with the Troubles.
- Challenging claims that only veterans face prosecution, Benn noted there are currently 10 live cases, including eight involving paramilitaries, one RUC officer, and one army case, while refuting "vexatious" prosecutions.
- DUP leader Gavin Robinson MP criticized the decision, calling the two-year delay "unacceptable and deeply frustrating" while urging the government to provide "clarity and delivery" for victims and veterans.
- Sinn Fein MP John Finucane condemned the move as an "act of extreme political cynicism" intended to placate the military lobby as the British Labour Party faces upcoming elections next month.
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16 Articles
Evening Standard+12 Reposted by 12 other sources
Veterans to get ‘additional protections’ in Troubles Bill, says NI Secretary
Labour is currently progressing its Troubles Bill at Westminster.
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution62% Center
Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources are Center
62% Center
L 23%
C 62%
15%
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