Swann Challenges Troubles Bill and Tables Amendments
As the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill received its Second Reading in the House of Commons this evening, South Antrim MP Robin Swann opened his speech by reflecting on the services of remembrance held this month for the armed forces and veterans. He said:
“‘For your tomorrow, we gave our today,’ is a phrase that many in this House stood in honour saying somewhere at the last Remembrance Sundays, as we stood across this country, remembering those who served and those who sacrificed. When I stood at those memorials in South Antrim at Ballyclare in Antrim and Crumlin and saw wreaths laid for the members of the UDR, the RUC and the home battalions, it brings home where and why the veterans that we talk about in this place must also reflect and respect those veterans from Northern Ireland who didn't return to home or to barracks here in England, Scotland and Wales, but every night returned to their own homes, having defended their neighbours, their loved ones and their families and workmates.”
Addressing extensive references to the Belfast Agreement during recent legacy discussions, Mr Swann added:
“The Belfast Agreement has been mentioned a number of times in regards to this. Now, I do look in honour and respect in what my party delivered in bringing forward that peace process, but it was delivered in three strands: a Northern Ireland-only basis, a north south basis and an east west basis. And I have asked the Secretary of State this before: where now does legacy sit within those three strands? Because it seems now that he is abdicating and working in parallel with the Irish government in bringing forward what is happening.
“He stood on the 19th of September beside the then Tánaiste, Simon Harris TD, who told the media afterwards that there would be no specific protections for veterans. And as we have seen, there are no specific protections for veterans in this legislation. The example that has been used once again is that veterans will not have to go to Northern Ireland to give evidence. Tell that to a Northern Ireland veteran. What protection, what special coverage is this government actually giving those men and women who served over there?”
Mr Swann concluded his remarks by setting out a number of amendments he has tabled following tonight’s vote. These amendments will:
Provide a clear definition of a victim to ensure that those who planned or perpetrated terrorism can never be treated as victims.
Add sexual crimes to the list of serious offences, allowing victims of sexual violence to request an investigation.
Ensure that the Director of Investigations who must be appointed from outside Northern Ireland has investigatory experience within the United Kingdom.
Disqualify anyone with terrorist associations from holding any Director, Commissioner, Officer, panel or advisory group role created under the legislation.
Additional amendments will further enhance transparency, prevent partisan appointments and strengthen protections for veterans who acted in the course of their duties.
