Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery

Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown Excerpts

Thursday 16th January 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

The noble Baroness is right. Let us be clear—this is about the victims of the Troubles and giving their families and those still affected by the Troubles the answers they so desperately need. Too many people have had to wait for too long. The Government are engaging with all parties in a spirit of openness to deliver on the promise of the Good Friday agreement, as well as on the Stormont House agreement. We will bring forward draft legislation as soon as parliamentary time allows.

[Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown (DUP)]

My Lords, I belong to one of the families of those victims. Does the Minister accept that resolute action must be taken to deal with the legacy of the past? Without it, former soldiers will continue to find themselves in court, facing vexatious claims, while prominent terrorists such as Gerry Adams will fill their pockets with British taxpayers’ money to the horror of innocent victims and to the shame of this Government.

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

My Lords, I have already touched on that last point and how we will deal with it. On next steps and protecting veterans, both the pain of those victims and the fear and concern of our military community need to be established. I put on record and declare my interest as an honorary officer of the Royal Navy and part of the defence family. It is clear that we need to act to protect veterans. Any veteran who needs to go through legal proceedings will receive welfare and, where appropriate, legal support. I am pleased that, last month, the Secretary of State announced the appointment of David Johnstone as the new Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner. This will ensure that veterans’ voices across Northern Ireland will continue to have a strong advocate to support them.