𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

The Conservatives believe that the men and women who served our country in uniform should be protected. That’s why I am so determined to defeat the Government’s legislation which would put elderly veterans back in the dock.

Almost exactly one year ago, on 14 October 2025, Labour introduced their Northern Ireland Troubles Bill to Parliament. Twelve months later, their determination to fail the brave men and women who served our country is as strong as ever.

The Bill will overturn legislation introduced by the Conservatives in 2023, which sought to draw a line under the Troubles and protect our veterans from the ever-present threat of vexatious legal action.

For too many of these veterans, the process has become the punishment. Decades after serving their country, former soldiers face the prospect of endless investigations, legal bills, and the constant threat of prosecution hanging over their final years.

I have met many of these veterans. I have heard their stories and witnessed their anguish. I have assured them that Conservatives will fight this injustice every step of the way.

We have secured victories, including stopping Gerry Adams from being able to sue the Government. But Labour remain determined to steamroller their legislation through Parliament.

And if you thought a change of government might have changed their minds, think again.

Because this isn’t really about veterans. Labour desperately wants closer ties with the EU. To achieve that, they need the support of the Irish Government.

Our Northern Ireland veterans have become pawns in a cynical game of political chess, with Andy Burnham and Chris Bryant prepared to sacrifice them for the prize they crave: a path back into Europe.

And this it’s not just us saying it.

Former Labour Armed Forces Minister Al Carns resigned over failures by his party to fund defence properly, but also because of this very Bill. His verdict was devastating: “…it [the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill] remains unfit for purpose. It risks failing the very veterans it claims to protect.”

Former Armed Forces Minister Al Carns resigned over Labour’s failure to fund defence properly, but also because of this very Bill. His verdict was devastating: “…it [the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill] remains unfit for purpose. It risks failing the very veterans it claims to protect.”

Last month, reports emerged that one veteran, “Soldier B”, faces yet another trial, despite having effectively cleared his name for a third time last year, after five years of investigations and judicial criticism of those pursuing him.

How can anyone seriously argue that this relentless persecution serves the interests of the British people?

Our soldiers did not volunteer to become embroiled in the Troubles. They went to Northern Ireland because their country ordered them there. They served under extraordinarily difficult circumstances, often risking their lives to protect others.

Now, decades later, that same country has a moral duty to stand by them. Yet Labour’s answer is to expose them once again to the machinery of the law, while offering warm words instead of meaningful protections.

The Conservatives will continue fighting this Bill at every opportunity. And to every Daily Express reader, I make this commitment: if Labour force this legislation through, the next Conservative government will restore full legal protections for our Northern Ireland veterans.

They answered their country’s call. It is time their country answered theirs. Anything less would be failing them.