Sign in Subscribe
Soldiers

No Forced Testimony for British Veterans in Troubles Killings

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

British veterans will not be required to appear in person to give evidence regarding Troubles-era killings, according to Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn. The decision comes as the Government scraps an effective amnesty for Troubles-era killings, which would have prevented the prosecution of former soldiers. Benn emphasized the need to protect elderly veterans from the distress of traveling and staying away from home to give evidence. He promised to provide veterans with welfare support and, if necessary, legal aid to help them navigate the legacy commission's process.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK Government has repealed the 2023 Legacy Act, which included a conditional amnesty for Troubles-era killings, soldiers, and terrorists, provided they gave information to the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.
  • The Independent Commission will continue to investigate deaths and promote reconciliation, but elderly veterans will not be forced to travel and stay away from home to give evidence.
  • Secretary of State Hilary Benn has promised to provide veterans with welfare support and, if necessary, legal aid to help them navigate the legacy commission's process.
  • The prospect of future prosecutions is extremely low, with only six convictions for Troubles-related deaths since 2012, all but one against terrorists.
  • The UK Government will retain and reform the independent commission established under the Legacy Act, which is already investigating over 50 cases, including the Guildford pub bombing.
  • More than 3,600 people were killed during the Troubles, and there are over 1,100 unsolved killings, including over 200 where service personnel were killed by paramilitaries.

Statistics:

  • 3,600 people were killed during the Troubles
  • 1,100 unsolved killings remain, including 200 where service personnel were killed by paramilitaries
  • 90% of Troubles-related deaths were caused by terrorists
  • June 2023: Domestic courts struck down the Conservatives' Legacy Act as unlawful
  • 2012: Only six convictions for Troubles-related deaths since 2012, all but one against terrorists
  • Guildford pub bombing: One of the over 50 investigations currently underway by the independent commission

Sources:

  • Benn, H. (2023, June). We owe it to those affected by the Troubles to get it right. The Telegraph.
  • Benn, H. (2023, July 20). No reason why former soldiers should be forced to leave home. The Telegraph.

Read more