Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Veterans: Protection from Prosecution

Wednesday 26 January 2022 · 8 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 7 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government believe that any system addressing the legacy of Northern Ireland's past must focus on delivering for victims, survivors, and veterans.
  • The Secretary of State personally added an apology to the Government's apology for past wrongs regarding the actions of the Parachute Regiment.
  • The Government aim to ensure that future legislative proposals will allow families to understand what happened without waiting decades, ensuring quicker access to truth.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stuart Anderson Con South Shropshire
Northern Ireland Veterans
Context

The MP raised concerns about the timeline for bringing forward legislation addressing vexatious claims against veterans who served in Northern Ireland.

Question

What discussions has he had with the Northern Ireland Executive on when legislative proposals will be brought forward against vexatious claims made regarding veterans who served in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

The Government collectively believe that any system for addressing the legacy of Northern Ireland's past must focus on delivering for those most impacted by the troubles, including victims, survivors and veterans. The Command Paper was published after engaging intensively with stakeholders, and they are reflecting carefully on what has been heard.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline for legislative proposals not provided

How: Reflecting Carefully, Engaging Intensively

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Q2 Johnny Mercer Con
Northern Ireland
Context

The MP questioned the Secretary of State's commitment to finding a solution that addresses grievances while delivering for victims and veterans.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree there is a landing zone for victims and veterans to address grievance industry issues, ensuring a lasting legacy agreement so Northern Ireland can move forward?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. It is important that we find a way forward that works for the people of Northern Ireland, delivering for victims, survivors and veterans; has a lasting ability to move things forward; and ensures those who do not know the truth will have a chance to get it in a reasonable timeframe.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific landing zone or agreement mentioned

How: Finding A Way Forward

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Q3 Stuart Anderson Con South Shropshire
Veterans
Context

The MP asked for assurances regarding the support available to Op Banner veterans until legislation is introduced.

Question

While waiting for legislation, will the Secretary of State work with the Office for Veterans' Affairs to ensure that any Op Banner veterans have the support they need?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

The Government are unequivocal in their commitment to deliver for all those impacted by the troubles, including those who served bravely. The Secretary of State will work closely with the Office for Veterans' Affairs and his Minister for Defence People and Veterans.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific support measures not detailed

How: Working Closely

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Q4 Colum Eastwood Social Democratic & Labour Party Foyle
Defence Northern Ireland
Context

The MP questioned the Parachute Regiment's refusal to apologize for actions during Bloody Sunday.

Question

Does the Secretary of State think the Parachute Regiment should apologise for their soldiers' actions on Bloody Sunday?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

The Government must accept responsibility for past wrongs and have apologised. The Secretary of State added his personal apology to that of the Government, emphasizing the importance of ensuring violence is not an answer in Northern Ireland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific stance on Parachute Regiment's actions not addressed

How: Accepting Responsibility, Ensuring No Violence

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Q5 Tony Lloyd Lab
Justice & Courts
Context

The MP questioned the possibility of judicial inquiries in future proposals.

Question

Will the Secretary of State confirm that under his proposals, a judicial inquiry will still be possible?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

The legislation aims to ensure families can get to the truth quicker than they have in past situations. The Government are determined that the legislation brought forward will allow families to understand what happened without waiting decades.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No confirmation on judicial inquiry provisions

How: Families Getting To Truth Quicker

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Q6 Mike Penning Con
Parliamentary Procedure Veterans
Context

The MP emphasized the need for timely resolution in addressing issues affecting veterans.

Question

Will there be no delay in functions of Government to reach a conclusion on legislative proposals, so that veterans can live their lives in peace?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

My right hon. Friend makes an important point regarding the need to address issues affecting veterans without delay and leaving it to another generation who deserve to live their final years in peace.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeline for legislative action

How: Addressing Issues Without Delay

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Q7 Jeffrey M. Donaldson DUP
Northern Ireland
Context

The question is prompted by the commemoration of two Royal Ulster Constabulary officers murdered in Londonderry, highlighting the need to ensure that proposals do not equate those who served with terrorists.

Question

Every life lost in Northern Ireland matters. We remember the two RUC officers killed 50 years ago in Londonderry. As a former member of the Ulster Defence Regiment, I want to ensure that future proposals do not create moral equivalence between law-enforcing armed forces and police with terrorists like the IRA. Will the Secretary of State clearly state there will be no moral equivalence?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

We are absolutely clear that we will never accept any moral equivalence between those who upheld law and order, protecting lives each day in Northern Ireland, and those engaging in acts of terrorism to destroy life. There must be a distinction.

Answered
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Q8 Jeffrey M. Donaldson DUP
Northern Ireland
Context

The question is prompted by the ongoing discussions on dealing with Northern Ireland's past, focusing on the need for truth and justice for victims and their families.

Question

In bringing forward proposals to address the legacy of our past, have you met representatives of innocent victims in Northern Ireland? Will these meetings inform your approach, as they want access to truth and justice without dispensing with justice?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

We have engaged extensively with a wide range of stakeholders, including victims groups. In the last week, I have met with these very groups to understand their needs. We aim to deliver a process that helps people get to the truth while being realistic about what is achievable under current legal constraints.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifics on how meetings will directly inform future proposals were not provided.

How: Under Review

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