Clonoe Inquest

Baroness Hoey Excerpts

Wednesday 12th February 2025 Lords Chamber

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

My Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for her question. I stand in awe of everything that the many people in this Chamber who have been affected by terrorism, like her, continue to do to build peace.

On our Armed Forces operating within the rule of law, I am very proud of how they operate. That is not to say that there are not occasions, and the specific findings of this coroner have raised concerns on both sides of the community. The MoD is considering what they mean.

[Baroness Hoey (Non-Afl)]

My Lords, does the noble Baroness share my astonishment that Mr Justice Humphreys, the coroner, said:

“The soldiers did not have an honest and genuinely held belief that the use of force was necessary to defend themselves or others”?


Surely, guessing what the soldiers were thinking goes way beyond a coroner’s role and powers. Will the Government stand full-square behind our brave soldiers and condemn the rewriting of history by not just republicans but some in the justice system?

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

My Lords, I have spoken about the specific findings. I assure the noble Baroness that the MoD is carefully considering them, and we are providing welfare and legal support.