Veterans and the Northern Ireland Legacy Inquiries

The question of how Northern Ireland addresses its troubled legacy remains one of the most sensitive unresolved matters in public discourse. Attempts to simply “move on” without properly addressing the pain and injustice of the past are not only unwise but risk deepening the wounds which many still carry. The previous Conservative Government’s Legacy and Reconciliation Act of 2023—an attempt to suspend historic legal investigations—was rightly met with widespread opposition. Victims’ groups, every political party in Northern Ireland, and the Liberal Democrats, stood firmly against it. It was a deeply flawed piece of legislation which failed to earn the trust of those it purported to serve.

The current Government has pledged to repeal and replace this Act, with particular attention to removing the controversial immunity provisions. Yet, despite these promises, the Act remains in force. My colleague Al Pinkerton MP, our Northern Ireland spokesperson and a member of the Northern Ireland Select Committee, has pressed the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, for clarity on the timeline for repeal. The Government has responded by stating that it is consulting widely to ensure any new approach meets human rights obligations. They have also committed to reforming the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), aiming to bolster its powers and independence. However, I am aware that many remain sceptical about its effectiveness.

While my Liberal Democrat Parliamentary colleagues and I cautiously welcome the Government’s intention to reform the ICRIR, we must not rule out the possibility of replacing it altogether. If the reforms fail to deliver the transparency, justice, and reconciliation that victims and their families deserve, then a complete overhaul will be essential. Institutions tasked with such sensitive work must command public trust and demonstrate their ability to deliver answers.

The Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee has now launched an inquiry into the Government’s revised approach to legacy issues. It is crucial veterans’ voices are heard throughout this process. Although the formal call for evidence has closed, I will continue to monitor developments closely and encourage you to do the same.