Northern Ireland Troubles Bill: Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention Debate
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Viscount Hailsham
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Northern Ireland Troubles Bill: Armed Forces Recruitment and Retention
Viscount Hailsham Excerpts(3 days, 5 hours ago)
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Lord Coaker (Lab)
The noble Lord makes a reasonable point, but the protections we have in the Bill are an important starting point. Of course, we will talk to the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner, the veterans’ associations and everyone—indeed, those discussions are taking place. No doubt amendments will be tabled in the other place and here. We are seeking to build a consensus to ensure that we deal with the legacy in a way that commands as widespread support across the community as it can. We will certainly take on board the noble Lord’s comments.
Viscount Hailsham (Con)
My Lords, might I suggest that instead of a Northern Ireland Bill, it would better to introduce an amnesty in respect of all offences alleged to have been committed prior to the Good Friday agreement?
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.