Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made a direct pledge to former SAS soldiers, assuring them they will not face vexatious prosecutions concerning his government's reforms to legacy legislation on the Northern Ireland Troubles.
Veterans' Legal Threat Prompts PM's Assurance
The Prime Minister's intervention came after the SAS Regimental Association threatened the Government with legal action over its proposed changes. Speaking to reporters while travelling to the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on November 22, 2025, Mr Starmer sought to calm the growing row.
He stated, "I’m absolutely confident that there will be no vexatious prosecutions, and that is because the legislation carefully sets out the balance that must be struck, and particular protections for veterans who served, in terms of the approach, the process and the protections we have put in place for them."
Unpacking the New Troubles Bill
Labour's new Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, agreed as part of a framework with the Irish Government, will establish a commission to investigate Troubles-related killings and a separate information recovery body. This legislation repeals part of the previous Conservative government's Legacy Act, which contained an immunity scheme that was found unlawful by the courts.
Under the previous government's Legacy Act, all UK police investigations into Troubles-related killings were shut down in May last year, and a new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery was established. Labour's bill aims to put in place a reformed Legacy Commission with enhanced powers.
Veterans Remain Unconvinced
Despite the Prime Minister's assurances, the veterans' group expressed deep scepticism in a letter to Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn. Described by former Brexit secretary Sir David Davis as an "unprecedented" move, the letter argued that the bill offers almost no new protections beyond existing law.
The letter stated, "The Bill contains almost no protections beyond those which already exist in law and guidance relating to the conduct of criminal investigations and inquests generally. If the Bill is enacted in anything like its current state, it will be subject to challenge."
During Prime Minister's Questions last week, Sir David Davis also warned that the government's overhaul of the law is negatively affecting the recruitment, retention, and morale of those currently serving in the regiment.
