Published • loading... • Updated
Troubles legacy bill is not an amnesty for soldiers, says NI secretary
Bryant says the amendments would bring consistency and cut repeat investigations, while critics warn MPs have too little time to review the bill.
- On Monday, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant rejected claims that proposed amendments to the Troubles legacy bill constitute an "amnesty" for former soldiers, defending the update in the House of Commons.
- The Troubles lasted 30 years, claiming more than 3,500 lives, and the government argues these amendments will "significantly reduce" the prospect of military veterans facing "rinse and repeat" investigations into actions during the conflict.
- Mark Thompson from Relatives For Justice accused the government of trying to take "control" away from local courts, arguing judges ruled against the Army in inquests like Ballymurphy and Springhill.
- Bryant defended requiring attorney general consent for serious prosecutions as a "sensible measure" ensuring "more consistency," stating the Public Prosecution Service will work with the Crown Prosecution Service in England and Wales.
- Natasha Butler, whose grandfather Paddy Butler was killed in 1972, fears families will "inherit the same silence," while veteran David Crabbe stated "there has been too much politics at play in this," advocating for a "victim-centred" approach.
Insights by Ground AI
2 Articles
2 Articles
The secretary of state for Northern Ireland has rejected claims that planned changes to the government's Troubles legacy bill amount to an "amnesty" for former soldiers.
·London, United Kingdom
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources2
Leaning Left0Leaning Right0Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution100% Center
Bias Distribution
- 100% of the sources are Center
100% Center
C 100%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
