Northern Ireland

Hilary Benn Excerpts

Tuesday 4th November 2025 Written Corrections

[Robin Swann (South Antrim) (UUP)]

As we approach Remembrance Sunday, many of those who served in Operation Banner will reflect on comrades whom they lost, comrades who were injured and comrades who still suffer mentally as a result of their deployment in that operation—the British Army’s longest continuous deployment. The Secretary of State has said from the Dispatch Box that his Northern Ireland Troubles Bill will bring strong protections for veterans. It does not; it brings the same protections for everyone under that Bill, including those who possibly perpetrated murderous acts of terrorism in Northern Ireland. So what can he actually provide regarding continuous support for veterans—something set out on the face of the Bill, rather than something that is not in the legislation but is promised by Government?

[Hilary Benn]

The protections were put in place for veterans after consulting veterans, and they are not unimportant: the ability to stay at home and give evidence; the protection from repeated investigations; and the right to seek immunity in a hearing of the commission —people already have the right to seek that in a coroner’s court…

[Official Report, 3 November 2025; Vol. 774, c. 632.]

Written correction submitted by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the right hon. Member for Leeds South (Hilary Benn):

[Hilary Benn]

The protections were put in place for veterans after consulting veterans, and they are not unimportant: the ability to stay at home and give evidence; the protection from repeated investigations; and the right to seek anonymity in a hearing of the commission —people already have the right to seek that in a coroner’s court…