Government defends Legacy Bill after Veterans Commissioner criticism

Northern Ireland veterans commissioner David Johnstone. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA

The government has defended its approach to reforming legislation to deal with the legacy of the Troubles, after criticism from its own Northern Ireland veterans commissioner.

David Johnstone said that the government’s proposed legislation treats veterans “worse than terrorists”.

A commission to investigate Troubles-related killings and a separate information recovery body will be established under the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.

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. Whereas in 1998, and the years following, terrorists were allowed out of prison, given pardons, comfort letters

All British police investigations into Troubles-related killings were shut down in May 2024 under the previous Conservative government’s Legacy Act, and a new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) was established.

Labour’s Bill, agreed as part of a framework with the Irish Government, will put in place a reformed Legacy Commission with enhanced powers.

In an interview published in The Times on Friday, Mr Johnstone said: “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.

“Whereas in 1998, and the years following, terrorists were allowed out of prison, given pardons, comfort letters.”

Asked about the comments, a British government spokesperson said: “The vast majority of those killed during the Troubles were murdered by terrorists.

“Many families still do not know how their loved ones died and have approached the independent commission for information and answers.

“The Troubles Bill is about enabling more victims and families, including a great many armed forces families, to do the same through a reformed commission.

“The last government’s proposal to give immunity to terrorists was wrong. It was rejected by the courts, and indeed by victims and many veterans alike. Any government would have had to replace it.

“The Troubles Bill will put in place six new and effective protections for our veterans.

“We will never equate the actions of terrorists with those of our brave armed forces.”