Keir Starmer has assured former soldiers that they will not be prosecuted as concerns arise over his revisions to legacy laws regarding the Northern Ireland conflict.
The Prime Minister moved to ease tensions after SAS veterans threatened legal action against the Government over its proposed changes.
According to Labour’s plans, a commission will be established to investigate killings related to the Troubles, along with a separate information recovery process. However, critics fear this could result in legal actions against veterans.
During his journey to the G20 summit in South Africa, Mr. Starmer addressed reporters, stating, “I am confident that there will be no unjust prosecutions. The legislation outlines the necessary balance and provides specific protections for veterans in terms of the approach, process, and safeguards we have implemented for them.”
He added, “I am certain that we have struck the right balance in the legislation, and there will be no unjust prosecutions.”
The SAS Regimental Association made an unprecedented move by writing to Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, revealed former Brexit secretary Sir David Davis.
In a recent Prime Minister’s Questions session, Sir David Davis highlighted that the Government’s changes to laws affecting veterans in Northern Ireland were impacting recruitment, retention, and morale within the regiment.
Labour repealed a section of the previous Legacy Act, which included an immunity scheme, after taking office last year due to it being deemed unlawful by the courts.
All ongoing UK police investigations into Troubles-related killings were halted in May last year under the previous Conservative government’s Legacy Act, leading to the establishment of a new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.
Labour’s new Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, part of an agreement with the Irish Government, will establish a reformed Legacy Commission with expanded powers.
Despite Government assurances, veterans expressed unease in a letter to Mr. Benn, stating that the proposed Bill lacks additional protections beyond existing laws and guidelines governing criminal investigations and inquests. They warned of potential legal challenges if the Bill is enacted in its current form.