Context
Veterans who served in Northern Ireland during the troubles face potential politically motivated trials. Seven hundred and twenty-two soldiers were killed by paramilitary murderers, but no deaths will be revisited.
Question
Seven hundred and twenty-two of our soldiers were killed by paramilitary murderers during the troubles. Not one of those deaths will be revisited. Because of the current circumstances, however, hundreds of brave men—who, as the Secretary of State says, served their country with honour, patriotism and integrity—face a sword of Damocles of politically motivated trials hanging over them. I can think of no better example of two-tier justice. Whatever the Government do, they have to take that away, and do so in a way that cannot be circumvented by clever, politically motivated lawyers. Will he give the House an undertaking that he will do that?
Answer from The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)
I agree with what the former Defence Secretary said in 2019. He said: ‘The British Army uphold British values, which is the rule of law, and that’s what we stand for.’ I advise the right hon. Gentleman to be a little bit careful about using the phrase “politically motivated” prosecutions—I hope I have correctly quoted him. Let us be clear: decisions about any prosecutions, in any cases, are taken by the independent Public Prosecution Service, which is entirely separate from the Executive.
Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not provide a specific commitment to ensure legal protections for veterans or prevent politically motivated trials. Instead, he advised caution about using the phrase 'politically motivated' and referred to independent decision-making by the Public Prosecution Service.
How: Advising Caution, Referred To Independence Of Prosecution Service
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