Replacing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023
2026-06-03
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 faced criticism. The question arises from the need to address concerns about victims, veterans' protections, and the differentiation between security forces and paramilitary terrorists.
What steps are being taken to replace the Northern Ireland Troubles Act? I am concerned that the bill has drawn criticism from former generals and veterans associations. The Defence Secretary promised amendments but stonewalled on details. Will you provide exact protections for veterans?
We are looking at amendments to improve the process for families, further safeguard veterans from Operation Banner, ensure oversight of protections, differentiate roles between security forces and paramilitary terrorists, consistent with joint framework and human rights obligations.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide exact wording or guarantees of specific protections.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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General Sir Nick Parker suggested that further criminal investigations, inquests, inquiries or prosecutions should only occur with new and compelling evidence. This recommendation was part of the wide consultation process.
Did you consult General Sir Nick Parker who said there should be no further criminal proceedings unless there is new and compelling evidence? Will you bring forward amendments based on this suggestion?
I have consulted widely including seeing an amendment that has been tabled. The Bill already includes provisions against repeated investigations unless essential by the commission. Further amendments are being considered based on these consultations.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm consultation with General Sir Nick Parker specifically or provide exact nature of amendments to be tabled.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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The previous session's troubles Bill faced criticism from nine former four-star generals, regimental associations, and other veterans. The Defence Secretary promised significant amendments to deal with concerns but failed to provide details.
The bill drew criticism from nine former four-star generals, regimental associations, and others. The Defence Secretary said he dealt with their concerns and would make 'significant amendments'. Every time we ask for detail, the response is stonewalled. Will you lay out today exactly what protections are proposed?
We are looking at amendments to improve the process for families, further safeguard Operation Banner veterans, ensure oversight of protections, differentiate roles between security forces and paramilitary terrorists. All consistent with joint framework and human rights obligations.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide exact wording or guarantees of specific protections.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
During the Committee's inquiry on legacy, concerns were raised about the Government's approach to information disclosure. The Dillon case showed a significant degree of deference to Government on national security grounds.
The Select Committee heard serious concerns from victims and survivors about the Government's approach to information disclosure. In the Dillon case, the Supreme Court showed deference to Government on national security grounds. Can you provide reassurances that national security will not be invoked to withhold information unless there is a genuine risk?
Responsibility for national security rests with Ministers. The Bill includes changes to disclosure provisions, requiring the Secretary of State to conduct a balancing exercise when considering each case and give reasons. Decisions can be subject to judicial review.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific reassurances that information will not be withheld unjustifiably.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Reports in the Belfast Telegraph suggest that a large part of gelignite used in IRA bombs was routinely stolen from an Enfield explosives factory prior to 1985. The supply amounted to many tonnes, and British intelligence repeatedly raised concerns with Dublin.
The Belfast Telegraph reported that prior to 1985, a large amount of gelignite used by the IRA came from a single factory in County Meath, Ireland. Nothing was done despite British intelligence raising concerns. Will you commit to writing to the Taoiseach asking for an urgent public inquiry into this Enfield explosives factory?
I have seen the reports. The Bill facilitates cooperation with Irish authorities regarding these matters. We will provide information for those affected through full co-operation between the Irish authorities and the legacy commission.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to writing to the Taoiseach specifically or initiating an urgent inquiry.
Response accuracy
Q6
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The previous answer did not address the specific request to write to the Taoiseach for an urgent public inquiry into the Enfield explosives factory.
You have not answered my question. This is a crucial piece of the puzzle in understanding how the IRA obtained weapons used against people in our country. You are within your rights to ask Ireland to conduct a full public inquiry on behalf of victims. Will you do so?
Since this matter was raised directly, I undertake to raise it with Irish authorities because they will have seen our exchange.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to writing specifically or initiating an urgent inquiry.
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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The May review highlighted a toxic, divided senior culture within the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), noting structural weaknesses in governing legislation. It also raised concerns that the Government's upcoming troubles Bill could exacerbate these issues.
The May review of the ICRIR describes a 'toxic', 'divided' and 'disrespectful' senior culture, along with structural weaknesses in the governing legislation. It raises concerns that the Government's forthcoming troubles Bill will make matters worse. Will the Secretary of State accept responsibility for implementing Peter May's 19 recommendations? What is the status of the Northern Ireland Office plan and how will the troubles Bill be amended to address the review's findings?
The responsibility is held jointly with the independent commission established under legislation put in place by the previous Government. The troubles Bill aims to reform how the commission works based on uncovered issues. We have a joint plan and I have expressed clear dissatisfaction with the board of the legacy commission because their practices are unacceptable, although acknowledging that committed staff must continue their work.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not explicitly commit to implementing Peter May's recommendations or provide specific details on amendments to the troubles Bill.
We Have A Joint Plan
Expressing Dissatisfaction Without Concrete Action
Response accuracy