MPs at odds as concerns are raised about the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill

Hampshire MPs have weighed in on the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, which aims to replace the controversial 2023 Legacy Act.

Conservative MP for Gosport Dame Caroline Dinenage has spoken out against the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, which was backed by the House of Commons yesterday.

The Troubles generally refers to the period from the late 1960s to the signing of the Belfast Agreement in 1998.

The sectarian and political conflict took place between mostly Catholic nationalists and mostly Protestant unionists who disagreed on the constitutional status of Northern Ireland.

It resulted in violence including paramilitary campaigns, riots, bombings and British Army operations – more than 3,500 people lost their lives, with many more injured.

The bill aims to address the Legacy Act 2023, which received widespread criticism from human rights organisations, the Irish Government and all five major political parties in Northern Ireland.

The Act, introduced under the Conservative government, offered immunity for Troubles-related crimes, which was ultimately rejected by domestic courts.

The Labour government’s “Troubles Bill” aims to repeal and replace the Legacy Act, scrapping conditional immunity, establishing a legacy commission and providing a package of protections for veterans.

Dame Caroline Dinenage, alongside fellow Conservative MPs, voted against a carry-over motion which will reintroduce the bill to Parliament in the next session in May.

She said: “Veterans form the backbone of our community in the Gosport Constituency. Many of those who served in Northern Ireland during Troubles are now old men.

“Decades ago they faced a dangerous and unpredictable enemy, often making split second decisions under enormous pressure.

“They did all this in the service of our Country, and don’t deserve to now live with the prospect of being dragged through the legal system.

“I support the clear commitment that the next Conservative Government will scrap this legislation and bring forward a fairer, more balanced approach.”

In response, Stephen Morgan, Labour MP for Portsmouth South, said: “It is vital that those who have served our country, to whom we owe so much and to whom we have a particular duty of care, are able to have confidence in this legislation.

“That is why there are six new safeguards in the Troubles Bill for veterans and other former service personnel. These have been broadly welcomed.

“The Government will go further with a substantial package of amendments at committee to improve the process for victims and families, further safeguard our Operation Banner veterans and ensure oversight of their protections, and clearly differentiate between the role played during the Troubles by our brave security forces and the actions of paramilitary terrorists”.

Amanda Martin, Labour MP for Portsmouth North, added: “Both families and veterans have been failed in the aftermath of the tragic and deeply regrettable events of the Troubles.

“We cannot and will not ignore these failings, as previous governments did. The responsibility now falls to us to ensure that we reach a conclusion that is fair, lawful and delivers for all those affected.

“This legislation is about continuing that work properly: supporting families in their search for truth, while also standing firmly behind those who served.

“The bravery and sacrifice of those involved in Operation Banner must be recognised and this Bill introduces important safeguards to ensure veterans are treated with the fairness and respect they deserve.”