Al Carns, the former Armed Forces Minister, has warned that the UK government's proposed legislation on Northern Ireland's Troubles legacy risks inadvertently helping the IRA achieve its political objectives. Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Carns, who resigned last week, detailed his opposition to the bill, citing concerns over a 'hierarchy of truth' and costly legal disputes.
Carns, now a backbench MP, argued that the plans would create 'never-ending legal wranglings' costing hundreds of millions of pounds and undermine the state's relationship with its veterans. He stated, 'The IRA failed to achieve its political ends through the use of terrorist tactics. We must be exceptionally careful that we do not help them achieve those ends through other means.'
The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) defended the bill as a 'vital step in righting the wrongs of the flawed Legacy Act' passed by the previous Conservative government, which left veterans exposed to a 'legal wild west.' The new Labour bill replaces the 2023 act that banned inquests and civil actions related to Troubles-era incidents. It establishes a Legacy Commission, an information recovery body, and a dedicated Garda unit in Ireland, alongside proposed protections for veterans.
Carns resigned alongside Defence Secretary John Healey over a dispute with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on military funding, also citing his opposition to the Troubles bill. He told MPs he 'could no longer ignore the continued failure to address the treatment of our veterans in Northern Ireland.' The former minister described 'inquests, inquiries and an independent commission' as creating a 'hierarchy of truth' that would cost 'hundreds of millions for 15 years' and paint the state as an aggressor.
Stormont's First Minister Michelle O'Neill has previously accused the government of giving veterans 'preferential treatment.' An NIO spokesperson reiterated that suggestions veterans would be dragged through courts are 'simply wrong,' adding that those who served honourably have 'nothing to fear.' The government plans to introduce amendments to strengthen protections.