Statement on Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act (Remedial) Order

"I have received a number of emails and comments about my vote on the Remedial Order, and I understand why this issue has caused real anger and anxiety, especially among veterans. The legacy of the Troubles is deeply painful, and many served in extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances. I want to be clear about why I voted the way I did.

I have always supported our military personnel and veterans, and I am proud of the service and sacrifice they have made for our country. My vote was about protecting veterans, not undermining them.

Last week’s vote was not about introducing new law, and it was not about removing protections from veterans. It was a narrow, technical vote on a Remedial Order to correct the wording of the Northern Ireland Legacy Act after the High Court ruled key parts of it unlawful.

Because of that court ruling, the so-called immunity provisions in the Act had never come into force. They were not protecting any veterans at the time of the vote. The Remedial Order did not reopen cases, invite new claims, or worsen the position of any former service member.

What did matter was removing language that created a deeply wrong and offensive comparison between terrorists and British service personnel. The Act sought to extend blanket immunity to both. That was wrong in law and wrong morally, and it needed to be removed.

I voted to uphold the rule of law and to end that disgraceful equivalence.

Now the focus must be on securing real, lawful protections for veterans. Liberal Democrats are pushing for proper safeguards, including fair treatment, welfare support and clear legal protections that actually stand up in court.

I have always been proud to support our veterans, and I will continue to press the Government to make sure those who served our country are treated with the respect, fairness and protection they deserve."