Starmer Fails to Alleviate Concerns Over Irish Veto on Troubles Legislation

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has voiced serious concerns that Prime Minister Keir Starmer has not adequately addressed the risk of the Irish Government holding a veto over UK legislation dealing with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles.

During Prime Ministers Questions today, Mr Swann made clear to the Prime Minister that any arrangement granting the Irish Government a veto over UK legislation on Troubles-related matters would be entirely unacceptable.

Mr Swann asked the Prime Minister:

“At Question Time last week, the Prime Minister seemed to intimate that the government was bringing forward amendments to the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill. Within hours of him saying that, the Irish government's Minister for Foreign Affairs said that any significant changes must have the full agreement of both governments.

“So, Mr. Speaker, can I ask the Prime Minister, is he intending to bring forward amendments to a flawed Troubles Bill and give a reassurance that the Irish government does not have a veto over legislation in this case?”

In his response, the Prime Minister did not give confirmation that the Irish Government would not hold a veto.

Mr Swann commented following PMQs:

"I have made it clear to the Prime Minister - it would be unacceptable for the Irish Government to have any veto over UK Troubles Legislation, and it is apparent from the number of amendments the new NI Troubles Bill is flawed."

Significant concerns have been raised following the recent comments from Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee, indicating that major changes to Troubles legacy laws would require approval from both the UK and Irish governments.

Mr Swann has tabled nine amendments to the “flawed” Troubles Bill which seek to add safeguards to the legislation and ensure victims and justice remain at its core.