Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed absolute confidence that the government's proposed Northern Ireland Troubles legislation will not lead to what he termed 'vexatious prosecutions' against former military personnel.
Veterans' Groups Threaten Legal Action
The assurance comes amid a significant legal challenge threat from the SAS Regimental Association, which represents both serving and former SAS members. The association claims the current draft of the bill fails to provide adequate protections for former armed service personnel, police officers, and security service members who served during operations connected to the Troubles.
Speaking to journalists while travelling to the G20 summit in South Africa on Saturday 22 November 2025, Sir Keir emphasised that the legislation achieves the right balance. He stated that specific protections have been incorporated into the bill regarding the approach, process, and safeguards for veterans who served.
New Bodies to Investigate Troubles Legacy
The government's proposals, which had their second reading in the House of Commons this week, will establish two key institutions:
- A commission dedicated to investigating Troubles-related killings
- A separate information recovery body
This new framework, agreed upon with the Irish Government, represents Labour's effort to replace aspects of the previous Conservative administration's Legacy Act. The earlier legislation, which became effective in May last year, controversially shut down all UK police investigations into Troubles-related killings and included a conditional immunity offer for perpetrators in exchange for cooperation with a truth recovery body.
Human Rights Concerns Raised
In a formal letter threatening legal action, the veterans' association argued that the bill as currently written contains minimal protections beyond those already existing for standard criminal investigations and inquests. They contend this deficiency could potentially breach veterans' rights under:
- Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights (right to a fair trial)
- Article 8 (right to private and family life)
Despite these concerns, the Prime Minister remains steadfast in his position, asserting that the carefully crafted legislation includes particular protections for veterans and will not result in unjust prosecutions.
