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Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson has urged London not to “spinelessly surrender” to the Irish government regarding protections for Army veterans in new legislation dealing with the legacy of the Troubles. His remarks follow Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s indication that the Troubles Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, could be amended to strengthen safeguards for those who served in the armed forces. This, however, has been met with resistance from the Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee, who stressed that no alterations should “shift the balance” of the agreement reached between the two governments last year.
Labour had pledged to repeal and replace several laws enacted by the previous Conservative government, which included prohibitions on inquests and civil claims connected to Troubles-era incidents. The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill aims to address these issues and introduces what are described as “robust” protections for former soldiers. These protections were not part of the original legacy agreement between the British and Irish governments announced in September but were subsequently outlined separately by the UK government.
In an email sent to party members, Robinson emphasized the importance of crafting a legal framework that “clearly distinguishes between those who upheld the law and those who sought to undermine it through terrorism and violence.” While he acknowledged Starmer’s engagement with veterans’ groups and his commitment to reflecting their concerns in the bill’s amendments, Robinson criticized the Irish government for its insistence that major changes require its approval. “That’s a clear challenge to the prime minister – will he side with sovereignty and protect our armed forces; or spinelessly surrender to the republic who have delivered nothing for victims?” he said. The Irish government, meanwhile, maintains that the agreement struck last year represents a “fine balance” and reflects extensive collaborative work to ensure it encompasses all voices.
The legacy deal includes a package of protections for veterans, such as protections that apply as they age. It establishes the Legacy Commission, expanding on the work of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), with an independent oversight role. The commission will have a statutory duty to avoid duplicating previous investigations unless there are compelling reasons to do so. Two new directors for investigations will be appointed, and the commission is required to consider the health and well-being of potential witnesses at all times. Inquests that began but were not concluded before the Legacy Act came into force in 2024 will be reinstated, while those not yet started will undergo review to determine the way forward. Although the bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons last year, it still requires approval from the House of Lords. Despite the declared aim of the plan to support truth, reconciliation, and protections, many families of conflict victims and some politicians remain skeptical about its effectiveness
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