Standing up for veterans in the legacy of Operation Banner
Standing up for veterans in the legacy of Operation Banner
The legacy of the Troubles remains one of the most painful and difficult issues we face in Parliament. Decades on, families are still seeking answers about loved ones they lost, while many veterans continue to live with the trauma of their experiences and uncertainty about what the future holds.
Yesterday, I spoke in the House of Commons during the debate on the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill because I believe we have a duty to do better for everyone affected.
Listening to our local veterans
Earlier this year, I met with local veterans who served in Operation Banner in Northern Ireland. I wanted to hear their concerns directly and understand what the legislation meant for those who had served our country.
It was an extremely moving meeting. Some veterans spoke through tears about experiences that continue to affect them decades later. They were worried that, despite their service, they could be left exposed to further investigations without adequate protection or support from the Government they served.
One question has stayed with me: why should they still have to live with this fear?
I listened, took their concerns to the Government and committed to keep engaging with them as the legislation developed. I also made clear that I would meet with them again after the parliamentary debate to hear whether the changes being made provide the reassurance they need.
Getting the legislation right
I understand why some veterans are worried about how they might be affected by any future investigations into events from the Troubles. It is important to address those concerns honestly.
But I do not believe that protecting veterans and seeking truth and justice for victims are opposing aims.
The previous legal framework failed to provide an adequate answer to this deeply painful and complex legacy. The previous Government's Legacy Act was found by the courts to breach human rights requirements, while its approach to immunity failed to deliver a workable route towards reconciliation, without providing basic protections to veterans drawn into investigations.
We cannot simply leave things as they are. We need a framework that enables families to find out more about what happened to those they lost, including the families of serving armed forces personnel who were killed. Whenever that involves asking veterans, they must be treated fairly and given meaningful protections.
That means providing certainty about the process they may face, not allowing unnecessary or repeated investigations, and appropriate support if they are asked to give evidence or revisit traumatic experiences.
Progress, but more work to do
In the months since my round-table with local veterans, MPs like myself have raised with ministers what we heard from veterans and their asks in terms of protections. So I'm glad the Government has made further amendments to strengthen protections for veterans.
In particular I had heard from local veterans that they wanted no cold calling and this has now been included in the draft law. Other new amendments include setting a reasonable threshold of new or compelling evidence before requesting a veteran's participation, and strengthen safeguards around prosecution decisions.
I will support the Government's amendments because they represent progress towards addressing the concerns raised by veterans. But assurances must translate into protections that work in practice. That is why I will continue to hold the Government to its commitments.
And crucially, as I said in Parliament yesterday, I'm pleased there is now a requirement that the Government must review how the protections are working so that we can improve them. I said our listening to veterans must not end with simply passing a better law. We must continue to listen and change that law if necessary, because our duty of care to our veterans never ends.
Following yesterday's debate, I intend to meet local veterans again, including those from The Muster Point, to hear their views on the changes and what more may be needed.
This cannot be the end of the conversation.
We cannot bring back those who were lost, and we cannot undo the suffering that people experienced during the Troubles. Instead, we must listen, learn and adopt an approach that treats everyone affected with fairness, dignity and compassion.
To veterans, victims and bereaved families: you deserve to be heard. Parliament has a duty of care to you all, and I will continue doing my part to ensure that duty is met.
