Troubles Bill Must Protect Victims, Not Empower Terrorists

As the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill moves to its Committee Stage in the House of Commons, South Antrim MP Robin Swann has published the nine amendments he has tabled to strengthen the Bill, safeguard victims and ensure terrorists cannot exploit or influence the legacy process.

Mr Swann said:

“This Bill must protect innocent victims and their families, and it must never empower or reward those who planned, carried out or justified terrorism.

“As it stands, the Government’s Bill is still missing key safeguards, so I have tabled amendments to strengthen the Bill and to ensure it delivers justice and I will work with others where possible to support further amendments.

“Victims have waited far too long for truth and justice. These amendments strengthen the Bill, protect victims and families and disempower terrorists. I urge MPs from all sides of the House to support them.”

The nine amendments are:

1. Define “a victim” so that terrorists cannot be treated the same as those they harmed.

This amendment ensures that only innocent victims can be recognised by the Bill by defining a victim as someone who suffered harm through no fault of their own and explicitly excluding anyone injured while committing or planning a terrorist or criminal act.

2. Require UK-based investigatory experience for the Director of Investigations without Northern Ireland experience

This amendment requires that at the Director of Investigations who doesn’t have experience with investigating in Northern Ireland does have experience conducting criminal investigations elsewhere within the United Kingdom.

3. Allow investigations into Troubles-related sexual offences.

This amendment allows victims of Troubles-related sexual crimes to request an investigation. It ensures that survivors of sexual violence are not denied the opportunity to have their cases examined.

4. Safeguarding veterans’ existing protections

This amendment prevents any erosion of rights previously granted to veterans and former Crown servants under the 2023 Legacy Act.

5. Preventing lawful actions being reclassified as terrorism

This amendment confirms that actions lawfully carried out by Armed Forces personnel or Crown servants in the course of their duties cannot be retrospectively reinterpreted as unlawful, criminal or terrorist acts.

6. Requiring the Legacy Commission to act impartially

This amendment places a statutory duty on the Legacy Commission to ensure its processes are impartial, balanced and proportionate.

7. Transparency in resourcing and investigations

This amendment requires the Secretary of State to publish an annual report detailing the Commission’s resources, followed by parliamentary debates in both Houses.

8. Preventing partisan appointments

This amendment bars anyone who has previously held elected office in Northern Ireland from being appointed to key roles such as Commissioner or Director of Investigations.

9. Barring individuals with terrorist convictions or associations from holding legacy roles

This amendment disqualifies anyone convicted of terrorism, associated with a proscribed organisation or who has publicly justified or glorified Troubles-related terrorism from holding any role within the Legacy Commission.

Mr Swann has written to every Member of Parliament today to ask them to add their names in support of these.