Government’s new Troubles Bill

Many families of service personnel who were killed during the Troubles have been left without the chance of further investigation, prosecution, or even clear answers about what happened to their loved ones.

As a veteran, I’ve met far too many people who have been personally affected by the previous Government’s unlawful Legacy Act - families who were effectively shut out of the search for truth and justice. That isn’t right, and it’s why I will always stand with them.

That’s why I welcome this Government’s new Troubles Bill, because it will:

- Repeal the unlawful immunity scheme and the most legally flawed parts of the old Act

- Establish a reformed Legacy Commission with stronger powers to investigate and provide information about Troubles-related deaths

- Give families the opportunity to bring their cases forward and finally seek the answers they’ve been denied for so long.

I will keep pushing to ensure families of murdered service personnel can have their cases properly considered.

That’s why today I put this question directly to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, so that families who have waited decades are not forgotten, and can finally get the answers they deserve.