Terrorism: Northern Ireland
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to his Oral Statement of 14 October 2025 on Northern Ireland Troubles, Official Report, column 247 and his Department's press release entitled Northern Ireland Troubles Bill to repeal and replace Legacy Act, published on 14 October 2025, if he will confirm that the proposed protections for veterans in (a) that Bill and (b) forthcoming protocols will not extend to alleged paramilitaries.
Answered by Hilary Benn
The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill includes new protections and safeguards for veterans that were not included in the 2023 Act, and that respond directly to the views expressed by veterans during engagements that the Government has undertaken. The Government is also taking forward some measures on a non-legislative basis. All of the protections that the Government has announced are being introduced in order to protect and ensure fair treatment of any veteran who is asked to engage with legacy mechanisms.
Some measures will apply only to veterans, including the protection from cold calling and the new safeguard that ensures veterans do not have to give unnecessary evidence on historical context and general operational details.
Other measures, including the right to give evidence remotely and having regard to the welfare of witnesses, will necessarily apply to others. This will ensure, for example, that former police officers are able to avail of these measures.
The Commission will be under a duty to avoid duplication unless it is considered essential which will apply to all of its investigations. This will ensure that the Commission’s investigations are effective, efficient, and focused on getting answers for families, whilst also protecting veterans from needlessly having to provide information previously covered.
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