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Northern Ireland Troubles 2025-10-14
14 October 2025
Lead MP
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
DefenceNorthern Ireland
Other Contributors: 34
At a Glance
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland raised concerns about northern ireland troubles 2025-10-14 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Today I am making a statement on the legacy of the troubles, which still affect many people in Northern Ireland and across the UK. The Good Friday Agreement brought peace but left unfinished business regarding the legacy. The previous Government's Act failed to win support in Northern Ireland and was undeliverable. We are introducing new primary legislation and laying a draft remedial order under the Human Rights Act as we seek to repeal and replace the legacy Act. This legislation will reform the independent commission, rename it the legacy commission, strengthen its governance, enhance investigative powers, put in place a fairer disclosure regime, restore stopped inquests, refer other inquests for independent consideration, provide public hearings, consider sensitive information in closed hearings, enable next-of-kin participation, address the UK Supreme Court ruling regarding the Carltona principle, and introduce strong safeguards for veterans. We are also removing the last Government’s immunity scheme and lifting the prohibition on troubles-related civil proceedings. The Irish Government has committed to facilitating co-operation with the reformed legacy commission, establishing a dedicated unit within An Garda Síochána, making a financial contribution of €25 million, and providing support through an independent commission on information retrieval.
Alex Burghart
Con
Brentwood and Ongar
Question
Will the Secretary of State provide details on how many inquests will be restored and referred to the Solicitor General? Will civil cases reopen, and what is the financial impact on legacy mechanisms and frontline policing?
Minister reply
The legislation aims to reform the legacy commission, enhance investigative powers, and put in place a fairer disclosure regime. The new Bill will restore stopped inquests and refer other inquests for independent consideration. Civil proceedings will reopen, and there is potential financial impact on legacy mechanisms and frontline policing.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Question
The legislation aims to address unresolved issues and provide support for victims, survivors, and families affected by the troubles. The government has consulted extensively with stakeholders and will continue to engage with them as the Bill is scrutinized.
Minister reply
Yes, I acknowledge the deep scars left by the troubles on communities across Ireland. This legislation aims to promote reconciliation through transparency, fairness, and independent oversight. It includes safeguards for veterans and ensures that prosecution under the law does not harm or discredit those who served with integrity.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
Question
What consultation have the Government had with victims and survivors groups since the joint framework was announced, and in what ways has this informed the legislation laid today?
Minister reply
Since taking up this post, I have engaged extensively with families, victims, and other organisations to draft legislation that responds to the issues left by previous governments. The Bill aims to provide closure for those seeking truth and justice while protecting veterans from injustice.
Paul Kohler
LD
Wimbledon
Question
How will this Bill ensure that reconciliation is built from the ground up, what specific safeguards will be included for veterans, and how will prosecutions under the law protect those who served with integrity?
Minister reply
Reconciliation must come from within; legislation cannot enforce it. The legacy commission's title does not include 'reconciliation' as it represents a process to help families find answers. Safeguards in the Bill ensure fairness for veterans, and prosecutions are independent of political motives.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that shutting down investigations without an adequate alternative was a failure by the previous Act and needed to be undone?
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend; service families want answers about what happened to their loved ones. The legacy Act's approach proposed immunity for those who killed Tony Harrison, which is unacceptable. We must put this misguided approach aside.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Question
It is crucial to remember that most victims do not belong to groups or take media action; they just want answers about their loved ones.
Minister reply
Investigations are key to delivering for these families, ensuring they receive the truth about what happened to their loved ones during the troubles.
Question
There is some concern that there will be protection for combatants who may have been involved in rapes and other sexual activity. Could the Secretary of State look at this as the Bill proceeds to make sure victims are able to talk and have protections, while ex-combatants also receive protections? Secondly, what thought has he given to a potential change of Government in the south should Sinn Féin take power and how it would affect delivery of the Irish contribution and commitments?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State welcomes the right hon. Gentleman's wise words and pays tribute to his previous role as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. On the latter point, he does not speculate on political changes in the south but notes that both Governments have made sovereign commitments which must be carried out. Regarding protections for victims, when the Bill is published it will include provisions to address the right hon. Gentleman's concerns.
Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch
Question
Welcomes progress made by both Governments on legacy issues in Northern Ireland, but asks if bringing in suitably qualified individuals from other parts of the UK has been considered as part of any process?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State acknowledges Operation Kenova’s good practice and notes that the Bill will establish a statutory victims and survivors advisory group to ensure the commission takes account of victims' needs. Regarding conflicts of interest, two directors of investigation with different backgrounds are appointed to address families' concerns.
Belfast East
Question
Welcomes the Minister and the new shadow spokesperson for Northern Ireland Affairs. Questions whether the timing of the announcement during a House recess was cynical, and inquires about the role of the Solicitor General in sifting cases through the coronial system or to the legacy commission.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State apologises for any accusations of cynicism but explains that the framework document was announced when both Governments agreed upon it. He expresses confidence in the Solicitor General's ability to sift cases based on three criteria: sensitive information, speed, and family views.
Alex Baker MP
Lab
Aldershot
Question
Thanks for focusing on a protections package for veterans and raises questions about ensuring watertight protection against repeated investigations. Also asks what steps are being taken to ensure accountability and justice is applied consistently and fairly on all sides.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State thanks the hon. Member for her advocacy for veterans' rights. He encourages her to look at the legislation which includes agreements with the commission to prevent cold calling. The protections include legislative commitments to safeguard veterans from repeated investigations.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Question
Expresses concern over Ireland’s role in all this, particularly given its history of refusing to hand over people guilty of serious attacks. Also raises concerns about the definition of ‘compelling reasons’ allowing for development through legislation.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State notes that moving beyond past issues is an attempt to move forward towards something better. He assures that both Governments have committed in good faith and will uphold their duty to properly investigate cases involving state involvement.
Claire Hanna MP
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
Question
Thanks the Secretary of State for his work on this package, including the previous Northern Ireland Office Minister and officials in Dublin.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State acknowledges the contributions from all parties involved, emphasising the importance of partnership between departments.
Sandra Osborne
SNP
North Ayrshire and Arran
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that all work invested by families, campaigners, and officials will be worth nothing if those who created victims do not approach this with full transparency and disclosure?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend gives me the opportunity to pay tribute to my extraordinary officials, some of whom are present today. It has been the privilege of my life to work with them on this. I know that my hon. Friend will hold us to the highest standards, and I accept what she says in the spirit in which it is offered.
Al Pinkerton
LD
Surrey Heath
Question
Has the Secretary of State had the official backing of any veterans group for the approach that he has taken? Separately, has he had any assurances from the Republic of Ireland Government that they will drop the inter-state case against the United Kingdom?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Gentleman for the role he played as Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Northern Ireland. The truth is that with the passage of time, the possibility of prosecution becomes increasingly remote. We all know that to be the case... This partnership with the Irish Government is a significant moment, because moving from non-co-operation to co-operation will open up the possibility for more information to come to families.
Graeme Downie
Lab
Dunfermline and Dollar
Question
How will the Secretary of State continue that work with families and victims both during the process of the legislation and afterwards to make sure that answers remain at the heart of what the Government are trying to achieve?
Minister reply
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for what he has said. I spoke yesterday to the victims’ commissioner in Northern Ireland. On 19 September when the framework was published, the Tánaiste and I met the victims and survivors forum in Northern Ireland and explained what the framework seeks to do.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Question
In the interests of trying to solve this issue, I wish the Secretary of State well and hope that he will bring forward the Bill and deal with its progress in the spirit of compromise and co-operation between the parties.
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Gentleman for what he said... For a long period of time, this question has been subject to the bipartisanship which, in the main, has characterised relations between the parties in the House on matters to do with Northern Ireland.
Colum Eastwood
SDLP
Foyle
Question
In fact, right now there are families across the road in the Supreme Court in legal dispute with the Government because the Government are withholding information from them. When it comes to inquests, will the Secretary of State look again at the sifting process?
Minister reply
On inquests, there are three statutory tests that the Solicitor General will have to apply... Family views will be one of the considerations, but if inquests cannot proceed because of sensitive information, would it not be more sensible to put it into the commission, which can deal with sensitive information, because it has provision for closed hearings.
Sorcha Eastwood
Alliance
Lagan Valley
Question
Will the Secretary of State give me his guarantee that he will discuss that with the Northern Ireland Executive and my ministerial colleagues to ensure that those families who so rightfully deserve truth and justice have the resource to be able to get that?
Minister reply
May I say to the hon. Member that I agree with every single word that she has expressed so powerfully and forcefully?... We have to try to make this work, and I have already begun the process of talking to the hon. Member’s colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive.
Jo White
Lab
Bassetlaw
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that this Government have no choice but to rectify the situation?
Minister reply
...
David Davis
Con
Goole and Pocklington
Question
In March of this year, it was widely reported that the Secretary of State gave his word to Mairead Kelly, the sister of IRA murderer Patrick Kelly, that there would be an inquest on the Loughgall incident. Is this remedial order a fulfilment of that promise? If so, what justice is served by punishing those brave soldiers with a stressful and unnecessary process?
Minister reply
The Government are committed to restoring the inquests that had started and were stopped. The independent coronial system will take decisions based on sensitive information provided, considering public interest immunity certificates.
Lauren Sullivan
Lab
Gravesham
Question
Will the Secretary of State update the House on discussions with veterans and their representative groups about measures to protect them?
Minister reply
The Minister for the Armed Forces, the Defence Secretary, and I have had many such discussions. The measures announced will be contained in the Bill and other non-legislative measures are being considered based on concerns expressed by veterans.
Stuart Anderson
Con
South Shropshire
Question
What support will be available for veterans as they go through this process, and how will fairer disclosure throughout the process be ensured?
Minister reply
Support is available for veterans through the Ministry of Defence, and changes to disclosure arrangements are being made to ensure fairer processes.
Lewis Atkinson
Lab
Sunderland Central
Question
May I press him a bit more on the need for continuing work with veterans groups so that as protections are implemented there will be a process of ongoing review?
Minister reply
I am very happy to give my hon. Friend that assurance. We have made these commitments because we want them to work, and the Government are determined to ensure that they do.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Question
Will the Secretary of State give assurance to the House: are there protections for veterans in this legacy deal?
Minister reply
The legislation we are bringing forward will include protections for veterans, and provisions relating to cold calling and on not requiring veterans to rehearse the historical context.
Peter Swallow
Lab
Bracknell
Question
Will the Secretary of State confirm that the legislation being brought forward will not grant immunity to terrorists?
Minister reply
I am very happy to give my hon. Friend that assurance. The previous Government’s attempt to legislate on this issue was unlawful because it would potentially grant immunity to, among others, terrorists.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Is the remedial order being laid before Parliament until the new legacy Bill has gone through Parliament?
Minister reply
The aim of the remedial order is to remove from the statute book provisions in the previous legislation that have been found to be incompatible with our obligations. The sections 46 and 47 will remain in place until such time as the new legislation takes effect.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Question
What will the Secretary of State do when the Republic of Ireland's Government exert pressure to investigate specific cases that previously excluded subjects believed they would be free from?
Minister reply
The commission will interpret its legal obligation under legislation and judge whether such investigations are essential based on compelling reasons presented. If people disagree with how the commission interprets these obligations, judicial review is available as a remedy.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
Question
What guarantees can be given that this legislation will achieve justice for British service personnel and ensure terrorists responsible for their deaths are held accountable?
Minister reply
The commission has the necessary powers to investigate nearly 100 cases, including high-profile incidents such as the Guilford pub bombing and Kingsmill massacre. The families who have referred these cases request further investigation, allowing more families to get answers about what happened.
Sarah Pochin
Reform
Runcorn and Helsby
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that hounding brave Northern Ireland veterans is shameful?
Minister reply
The Government aims to protect veterans from prosecution by implementing protections based on their concerns. The legislation includes measures that diminish the risk of prosecution over time, reflecting recent trends.
Solihull West and Shirley
Question
How many of the proposed six protections for veterans will also be available to former paramilitaries?
Minister reply
The previous Government's immunity provisions applied to both veterans and others, including terrorists. The new legislation provides specific protections for veterans and witnesses.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
Why is the Secretary of State delaying the repeal of sections 46 and 47 until the new legislation is in place?
Minister reply
Sections 46 and 47 were found incompatible with human rights law. Delaying their repeal ensures there are no legal gaps between the old and new provisions.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Why do many families feel that these new arrangements will not provide them with justice, especially those affected by specific cases like the Kingsmill massacre?
Minister reply
Families who lost loved ones during the Troubles are key in judging whether new arrangements can offer answers they seek. The Government is committed to ensuring a fair and just process for all families.
Alex Easton
Ind
North Down
Question
Can assurances be given that terrorists will not rewrite history and veterans will not face vexatious prosecutions? Can the Secretary of State name the inquests to go ahead?
Minister reply
The commission aims to address these issues, creating greater confidence for families to come forward. The changes made include better cooperation with the Irish Government, who are committed to cooperating once the necessary legislation is passed.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
Does the Secretary of State's statement ensure that soldiers will not be dragged back into court and subjected to interrogation? Is there an obligation on the Irish Government to cooperate?
Minister reply
Veterans can give evidence remotely, which is a significant protection. The Irish Government has committed to cooperating once certain changes are made.
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