Northern Ireland Troubles Bill: Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention

Baroness O'Loan Excerpts

Tuesday 6th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Coaker (Lab)]

I think people want answers, and investigation into many of the things that have taken place. I do not think an amnesty is the right way forward to achieve that.

[Baroness O’Loan (CB)]

My Lords, members of my family have served in the Armed Forces for some 120 years. Is the Minister aware that in the 55 years since 1969, while some 300,000 members of the Armed Forces served in Northern Ireland over 30 years, the British Army reported that there were very few prosecutions of military personnel for serious offences? A dozen or so were reported in 30 years, and only four soldiers were convicted. Some 30,000 to 40,000 paramilitaries were convicted in those 30 years.

Most recently, Soldier F was found not guilty of charges arising from Bloody Sunday, because the judge said that the evidence failed to meet the standard of proof. But the judge did say that Soldier G, Soldier H, Soldier F and Soldier E were part of the initial group of soldiers who entered the square and were responsible for two deaths and four, possibly five woundings.

It is not the case that there has been a witch hunt, and I think the Minister will surely agree with me that our soldiers should be reassured that they will be treated fairly and in accordance with the rule of law, and that the people of Northern Ireland will all be subject to the rule of law.

[Lord Coaker (Lab)]

Obviously, I agree with the points the noble Baroness has made.