Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Replacing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023

Wednesday 3 June 2026 · 7 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 7 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Steps are being taken to improve the Northern Ireland Troubles Act through amendments to better protect veterans and families involved in Operation Banner.
  • Consultations have been held with various parties, including former generals, to address concerns and consider further amendments.
  • The Government is committed to ensuring that decisions regarding information disclosure include a balancing exercise and can be subject to judicial review.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Reed Con Exmouth and Exeter East
Northern Ireland Veterans
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Hilary Benn

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide exact wording or guarantees of specific protections.

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Q2 Lincoln Jopp Con Spelthorne
Northern Ireland
Context

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.

Question

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?

Answer from Hilary Benn

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm consultation with General Sir Nick Parker specifically or provide exact nature of amendments to be tabled.

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Q3 David Reed Con Exmouth and Exeter East
Defence Veterans
Context

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.

Question

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?

Answer from Hilary Benn

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide exact wording or guarantees of specific protections.

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Q4 Tonia Antoniazzi Lab Gower
Justice & Courts Democracy & Elections
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Hilary Benn

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific reassurances that information will not be withheld unjustifiably.

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Q5 Alex Burghart Con Brentwood and Ongar
Northern Ireland Foreign Affairs
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Hilary Benn

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to writing to the Taoiseach specifically or initiating an urgent inquiry.

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Q6 Alex Burghart Con Brentwood and Ongar
Foreign Affairs
Context

The previous answer did not address the specific request to write to the Taoiseach for an urgent public inquiry into the Enfield explosives factory.

Question

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?

Answer from Hilary Benn

Since this matter was raised directly, I undertake to raise it with Irish authorities because they will have seen our exchange.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to writing specifically or initiating an urgent inquiry.

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Q7 Paul Kohler Lib Dem Wimbledon
Northern Ireland
Context

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.

Question

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?

Answer from Hilary Benn

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary did not explicitly commit to implementing Peter May's recommendations or provide specific details on amendments to the troubles Bill.

How: We Have A Joint Plan, Expressing Dissatisfaction Without Concrete Action

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