Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the oral answer of 14 October 2024 from the Minister for Veterans and People, Official Report, column 574, if he will clarify what the correct (a) welfare and (b) legal support are for veterans that are required to undergo legal proceedings relating to their service during the troubles in Northern Ireland.

The Government recognises the important service of veterans and serving personnel and the sacrifices they made to keep us all safe in Northern Ireland during the troubles. We will provide any former or current member of the Armed Forces involved in legal proceedings relating to their official duties with the appropriate welfare and legal support.

Welfare support is tailored to individual veterans’ needs and circumstances and given on an opt-in basis. The MOD delivers this support through the most appropriate agency depending on the nature of the veteran’s service. In many cases, this would be the Army Operational Legacy Branch, who have a team of dedicated military support officers.

Legal support too is tailored to the circumstances, including in what capacity veterans are involved in legal proceedings. Veterans are offered independent legal support at public expense where they are at risk of prosecution relating to actions taken during their employment.