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Northern Ireland Troubles Bill 2025-11-18
18 November 2025
Lead MP
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Northern Ireland
Other Contributors: 45
At a Glance
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn raised concerns about northern ireland troubles bill 2025-11-18 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
Hilary Benn announced the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, aimed at addressing the legacy of violence in Northern Ireland since 1966. He highlighted that over 3,500 people were killed during this period, including almost 2,000 civilians and over 1,000 members of the state who bravely served it. The bill is intended to provide a means for dealing with legacy issues that can command broad public support in Northern Ireland, particularly among families seeking answers about their loved ones' deaths. Benn emphasised that previous legislation from the 2023 Act failed due to its legal quagmire of uncertainty and lack of support among victims, survivors, and political parties. The bill seeks to protect veterans by offering safeguards against repeat investigations and ensuring they can provide evidence remotely without forced travel to Northern Ireland.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Question
He questioned the Secretary of State for excluding the Omagh bombing, which occurred four months after the Good Friday agreement signing, and asked whether the Bill would address that atrocity.
Minister reply
Hilary Benn acknowledged the point and stated that the current public inquiry should proceed to provide answers to families. He hopes that once the legislation is in place, the Irish Government will cooperate fully with the Legacy Commission.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
He asked for assurance that justice would be sought through the Bill and questioned its effectiveness regarding families seeking answers from the Irish Republic.
Minister reply
Hilary Benn assured Jim Shannon that once their legislation is in place, the Irish Government will move to full cooperation with the Legacy Commission, opening up possibilities of seeing information previously unavailable.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
He asked about the confidence of the provisions for preventing compensation for interim custody orders and whether they would withstand legal challenge.
Minister reply
Hilary Benn responded that he will address this issue later in his statement.
Jessica Toale
Lab
Bournemouth West
Question
She asked the Secretary of State to set out how the Bill supports veterans, showing concern over repealing previous legislation.
Minister reply
Hilary Benn explained that new measures are being put in place specifically for protecting veterans after close consultation with them. Veterans will be protected against repeat investigations and can provide evidence remotely without forced travel.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
He clarified that no one, regardless of their side or the nature of their crime, would serve more than two years in jail under the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998.
Minister reply
Hilary Benn acknowledged this and explained that compromise is essential for peace, referencing the Good Friday agreement which was supported by 71.7% of people in Northern Ireland.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Question
He asked to clarify what 'essential' means in the context of duplicating previous investigations or proceedings.
Minister reply
Hilary Benn stated that it is a very high bar for the commission to make such judgments.
Andrew George
Lib Dem
St Ives
Question
He sought clarity on whether veterans would be placed on trial simply for carrying out orders.
Minister reply
Hilary Benn explained that decisions about prosecutions are made independently by prosecutors based on evidence. He highlighted that in 27 and a half years since the Good Friday agreement, only one veteran has been convicted for a troubles-related offence.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Question
The clause about victims and survivors does not prohibit former paramilitaries from serving on the advisory panel. Where in the Bill is this prohibition?
Minister reply
I assure you that anyone previously involved in paramilitary activity will not be appointed to the victims and survivors group, as stated.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
Question
Where in the Bill does it specify what you said about the victims and survivors group? If it is not specified there, will you amend it to ensure that it is?
Minister reply
I have given a clear assurance on this point. There is no such prohibition in the legacy Act of the previous government.
Preet Kaur Gill
Lab/Co-op
Birmingham Edgbaston
Question
Can you set out why families affected by the Birmingham pub bombings should have confidence in the reformed commission to get to the truth?
Minister reply
The commission has the power to see all information and evidence, including those from investigations into incidents such as the Guildford pub bombings, the M62 coach bombing, the Kingsmill massacre, and Warrenpoint.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Question
Can you confirm that the commission is already investigating the Warrenpoint incident?
Minister reply
Yes, the commission is indeed investigating those terrible incidents.
Alex Burghart
Con
Brentwood and Ongar
Question
The amendment declines a Second Reading of the Bill because it removes conditional immunity for veterans while likely leaving former paramilitaries untouched, undermining morale within armed forces at heightened international tensions.
Minister reply
The Minister emphasised that the legislation represents a chance to deliver justice and fulfil the unrealised ambition of the Good Friday agreement. He acknowledged differing views but stressed the importance of giving the Bill a chance to succeed.
Desmond Swayne MP
Conservative Party
Question
Even if the Supreme Court had opined on the matter and judged it to be incompatible, that would not have changed the law. This House is not required to respond in any way to a declaration of incompatibility by a court.
Julian Lewis MP
Conservative Party
Question
My hon. Friend says that it is highly likely that an appeal would have succeeded. In support of that, I cite the fact that the Defence Committee took evidence in great detail from four professors of law in 2017.
Fleur Anderson MP
Labour Party
Question
The hon. Gentleman has talked about doing the right thing, but is not doing the right thing getting justice for over 1,000 families, including 200 veteran families, who have waited too long for answers about their loved ones? Putting victims at the heart of this process would be doing the right thing—getting on with legislation that will deliver the justice needed, instead of the delays and dithering that the Conservatives’ legacy Act provided?
Alicia Kearns MP
Conservative Party
Question
I thank my hon. Friend for setting out the wrongs of the Bill so clearly. A number of veterans called my office yesterday in great distress. One of their concerns is what the Bill means for future recruitment to the armed forces, which so far has not really been covered in this debate. They believe that if people sign up willing to give the ultimate sacrifice, their country should stand behind them.
Question
Will the shadow Secretary of State remind the House who is actually in Government in Northern Ireland and if there are any former paramilitaries involved at all?
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
Question
Many in this House believe in the rule of law and in the equality of every person in front of the law. Between 30,000 and 40,000 people were properly convicted of paramilitary offences, and 300,000 soldiers served under Operation Banner. Can the shadow Secretary of State outline how many of those have been in court?
Chingford and Woodford Green
Question
The way in which the last intervention was made suggested that this is a numbers game based on the numbers who were out there in Northern Ireland. The fact is—[Interruption.] No, with respect, I actually served out there, and I can tell you something about this... Is it not wrong to equate the two as though the numbers were ridiculous?
Paul Foster
Lab
South Ribble
Question
The peace process in Northern Ireland was hard-won, and tough compromises had to be accepted by all parties. The Good Friday agreement was never going to have the wholesale support of all, but it brought about an end to the horrendous violence... There are many separate elements of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, but I will keep my contribution to two specific areas: immunity from prosecution for historical crimes, and the concerns of my fellow veterans moving forward under the new legislation.
Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire
Question
My family has served in the Army for many generations, including myself in the troubles in Northern Ireland, and indeed my son is serving now. We have seen and deeply admired the Army’s core values of courage, discipline, respect, integrity, loyalty and selfless commitment. Would my hon. Friend accept that the retired generals and the many serving friends of my son make an extremely pertinent point when they say that the Bill will negatively impact retention and recruitment in the British Army, and at a time when we are desperate to bolster our armed forces?
Andrew Rosindell
Con
Romford
Question
The IRA’s campaign of terror against the British people was one of the darkest chapters in our history; the shields of Airey Neave, Ian Gow, Robert Bradford and Sir Anthony Berry demonstrate that. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the armed servicemen represented here today defended us, and it is the job of this Parliament to ensure that they are now defended?
Gideon Amos
LD
Taunton and Wellington
Question
Does my hon. Friend agree that veterans who served in Northern Ireland and were then pursued by the IRA to Germany and attacked there deserve more reassurance than the words that duplication will not occur unless “the duplication is essential”?
David Davis
Con
Goole and Pocklington
Question
The right hon. Member criticises the Bill as leading to persecution of soldiers who defended democracy in Northern Ireland, highlighting a specific case where an SAS soldier was shot down while performing his duties.
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
Question
The Member acknowledges the need to address legacy issues but criticises the unilateralism of the previous Government's approach, advocating for a bilateral agreement between Ireland and London.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Question
Robinson criticises the Government’s failure to protect veterans and victims, pointing out that paramilitaries were involved in drafting amnesty schemes. He questions the lack of support for former RUC officers who have been targeted by past investigations.
Liam Conlon
Lab
Beckenham and Penge
Question
Condemns the previous government's Northern Ireland legacy Bill as an attack on the Good Friday agreement, causing significant pain to victims' families. Highlights the case of Father Hugh Mullan from the Ballymurphy massacre.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Question
Reflects on the sacrifices made by veterans in Northern Ireland, emphasising the need to respect those who did not return home and continued their service. Stresses the importance of remembering these veterans and acknowledging their role.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Question
The Bill will shame our country for generations to come because it means veterans face being dragged through the courts in politically motivated witch hunts. Does the Secretary of State agree that this sets a dangerous historical precedent?
Minister reply
While acknowledging concerns, the minister responds by emphasising the need to balance justice with respect for those who served. He clarifies that the Bill aims to ensure fair and proportionate processes while addressing past wrongs, including through family participation in legacy commission proceedings.
Alison Griffiths
Con
Bognor Regis and Littlehampton
Question
Does my hon. Friend agree that we owe those veterans a process that is fair, proportionate and final?
Minister reply
The minister agrees with the sentiment expressed by the MP, highlighting the importance of ensuring such processes are indeed fair and proportionate to all involved.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
Question
The right hon. Member makes an important distinction about the manner in which we deployed our soldiers. What he has described is a policing action, and there are very different requirements for delivering scrutiny...
Minister reply
Sir Iain Duncan Smith: I will not follow the hon. Member down that road, because I have limited time and there is something I want to reflect on, but the reality is that many people and veterans believe that this will be a problem for future recruits...
David Smith
Lab
North Northumberland
Question
Just over 20 years ago, in my red Vauxhall Corsa, I rounded the bend at the bottom of the Woodstock Road in Belfast and drove straight into a pregnant pause in the middle of a riot... Later that day, our first child—our daughter—was born, and we have called her our Belle of Belfast city ever since...
Tewkesbury
Question
I have the honour of being, in 107 years of the Royal Air Force police, the first of its veterans to be elected to this House. Our armed forces are revered worldwide because they train for and execute one thing to a higher standard than anyone else, namely the moral component—discipline, and the will to fight. When they act outside the law but in good faith, they must be defended.
Al Pinkerton
LD
Surrey Heath
Question
In the months in which I was the Northern Ireland spokesperson for my party, I engaged with lots of veterans’ groups. Their members told me that they were very keen for this legislation to recognise that they went to Northern Ireland, as service personnel, to restore the rule of law. How does my hon. Friend reconcile those points with the issues that he is raising?
Alex Ballinger
Lab
Halesowen
Question
I come to today’s debate, as many Members on both sides of the House do, as someone who was proud to serve my country and who has the utmost respect for those Members who served in Northern Ireland on Op Banner. For me, this debate is complex, but at its heart are two simple questions: how do we respond to trauma, and how do we uphold accountability? The wounds of the troubles are still raw.
Question
Does my hon. Friend agree that the Secretary of State’s promises to the House mean that the Bill would enable some of those people and their supporters to be included on the victims advisory group?
Minister reply
Absolutely. That was a point well made.
Graeme Downie
Lab
Dunfermline and Dollar
Question
Madam Deputy Speaker, I want to take you back to a Saturday in March 1993... I do not seek revenge, and I do not think the Parry family ever expect to get justice, but I do want answers, and so do hundreds of others who have lost family, friends and loved ones as a result of horrific violence in Northern Ireland. I hope that the Bill can deliver the information and the truth that those people deserve—those innocent victims who, like Colin and Wendy Parry, still live with the pain and injustice of what they have endured for so many decades.
Sarah Pochin
Reform
Runcorn and Helsby
Question
I would like to acknowledge all the brave veterans here today... These brave men served their Queen, their country and their regiments without question. They risked their lives to protect us, and now, in their retirement years, they are facing prosecution from this Labour Government and their shameful Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.
Alex Easton
Ind
North Down
Question
I rise to oppose the Bill in the strongest possible terms. The Bill has been weighed in the balance of justice and found gravely wanting... This House has a duty not to pass legislation simply to make us feel better about the past, or for reasons of political expediency, but to pass legislation that is fair, honest and just.
John McDonnell
Lab
Hayes and Harlington
Question
The thing that seems to bind us all together is the search for the truth... Why not assign security decisions to a judicial panel member rather than leaving them in the hands of a Secretary of State?
Lincoln Jopp
Con
Spelthorne
Question
The Defence Committee recently visited Canberra in Australia. The old Parliament building looks down a row of trees to the national war memorial. This was a sense of focus and I hope that we can have that today as we discuss this Bill. I served three and half years in Northern Ireland, trying to bring peace there. In my first week on duty, I apprehended someone with a bomb. Despite my lack of experience at the time, I knew he was lying because I had been trained... The problem is that this piece of legislation is part of a proxy war answering the question ‘Who won?’ Our veterans are being used as chess pieces in this disgraceful battle... The Secretary of State knows that this Bill does not offer proper protection to those who served their duty. Therefore, I will vote against it tonight.
Julian Lewis
Conservative, New Forest East
Question
On that point, will the Minister give way?
Minister reply
I will not take interventions, as I am very short of time.
Alex Burghart
Conservative, Brentwood and Ongar
Question
How can we continue with the remedial order? The Minister also mentioned immunity.
Minister reply
I apologise, but I will not as I am short of time.
Question
Will the hon. Gentleman give way?
Minister reply
As I have stated, I have a very short amount of time and want to address as many points as possible.
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