Troubles Legacy Bill delayed by amendments to ‘safeguard’ British ex-soldiers
FREYA McCLEMENTS, Northern Editor, Irish Times, April 23rd, 2026
The UK government’s new legislation to deal with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles is to be delayed due to a “substantial package” of amendments it intends to introduce to “safeguard” British army veterans. In a written ministerial statement yesterday, Northern Secretary Hilary Benn said it was “clear . . . that we must do more through the legislation to safeguard our veterans community”. He added: “It is vital that those who served the State, to whom we owe so much and to whom we have a particular duty of care, are able to have confidence in the legislation.”
The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill was introduced to parliament last year in fulfilment of an election pledge to “repeal and replace” the “failed” Legacy Act, following an agreement with the Irish Government to take a new, joint approach to the legacy of the Troubles.
The 2023 Legacy Act – which was widely opposed, including by the Irish Government – replaced existing methods of criminal and civil investigations and inquests with inquiries carried out by a new investigative body, the ICRIR.
The implementation of the new approach on legacy will require the adoption of fresh legislation in the UK and, subsequently, in Ireland.
In his written statement, Benn said the Bill’s return to House of Commons for the next stage of the parliamentary process will not take place until “early in the next session” – potentially this autumn – to allow sufficient time for scrutiny.
He said the UK government had been “consulting widely” on the legislation, including with veterans, and had also considered many amendments and recommendations.
Out of time
The result, Benn said, was that “the Government will bring forward a substantial package of amendments designed to improve the process for victims and families, further safeguard our Operation Banner veterans and ensure oversight of their protections, and clearly differentiate between the role played during the Troubles by our brave security forces and the actions of paramilitary terrorists”.
Elaborating on his statement before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee group of MPs yesterday, Benn said the UK government had “basically run out of time in this session”.
He said there had been “a lot of conversations with veterans in particular, but not exclusively” who had expressed “concerns” and the UK government wanted to go “further” with the protections and measures provided for them.
“They will be intended to improve the process for victims and families, because there’s a balance here, but there are of course victims and families who are forces’ families, to further safeguard Operation Banner veterans and oversight of their protections,” he said.
Benn emphasised there was “no equivalence” between “our brave security forces and the actions of paramilitary terrorists . . . and we are looking very carefully at how that can be reflected in the legislation.”
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane criticised the move, saying it was “designed to placate the British military lobby” and would serve to further erode the confidence of “victims and families who have spent decades fighting for the simple right to truth and justice”.
Describing it as an “act of extreme political cynicism as the British Labour Party watches its electoral base crumble ahead of next month’s elections”, he called on the Irish Government “to speak out against what is clearly a disdainful diversion from their joint legacy framework”.
New law will allow PSNI disciplinary probes to continue after officers leave
CONNLA YOUNG CRIME and SECURITY CORRESPONDENT, Irish News, April 23rd, 2026
PSNI officers who retire or resign during misconduct proceedings will continue to be investigated under a proposed change to the law.
Justice Minister Naomi Long has confirmed she intends to amend the Justice Bill amid concerns over the number of police officers who leave the force while under investigation.
In a letter to Alliance Policing Board member Nuala McAllister, Ms Long confirmed details of the move.
Concerns have been raised after some officers involved in the Katie Simpson murder probe retired from the force despite internal investigations linked to the case.
The PSNI wrongly treated her death as a suicide before a murder investigation was eventually launched.
Her sister’s then partner, Jonathan Creswell (36), who was later accused of her murder and rape, took his own life on the second day of his trial in April 2024.
It emerged that disciplinary proceedings related to the case could not be held in the case of officers who had retired.
Last year, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher confirmed that 66 officers had retired, left the force under ill-health retirement or resigned while under investigation by the Professional Standards Department in the previous five years.
In a letter to Ms McAllister, who has campaigned for a law change, Ms Long said she intends to table an amendment to the Justice Bill, which is currently working its way through Stormont, which will also create “police barred and advisory lists” in the north.
At present, such lists are not applicable to the PSNI.
“The barred list will hold the details of all officers and staff members who have been dismissed from policing after investigation under the relevant disciplinary regulations or process,” Ms Long wrote.
“Similarly, the advisory lists will hold the details of individuals who retire or resign while subject of a disciplinary investigation or who leave before an allegation comes to light.”
Legislation planned which will allow investigations into misconduct by PSNI officers through until conclusion
Ms Long added that those who leave the PSNI during an investigation may be brought back to conclude proceedings.
“I can confirm that I intend to include an enabling provision that will allow individuals who have resigned or retired while subject to a misconduct investigation to be brought back to conclude those proceedings, or for proceedings to be conducted in the individual’s absence,” she wrote.
The minister said that “if it is found that a former officer would have been dismissed were they still serving, they will be removed from the advisory list and will be added to the barred list”.
Law enforcement agencies in the north, including the Policing Board and Police Ombudsman, will be unable to appoint anyone on the barred list and “must give careful consideration before appointing any individual held on the NI advisory list”.
Barred list not to be published
Unlike in Britain, the local barred list will not be published.
Ms McAllister has welcomed the planned changes to legislation.
“Why should those who are under scrutiny for possible wrongdoing in their jobs, the very people meant to protect us, be allowed to resign or retire in order to side-step any misconduct proceedings,” she said.
Ms McAllister said she had worked with the justice minister, who is also her party leader, on the issue “and she has confirmed the law will now change so that any police office who resigns or retires whilst under misconduct investigations will no long prevent any proceedings from going ahead”.
“I urge all political parties to support his change in the Assembly,” she added.
A spokeswoman for the DoJ said it is “seeking to bring forward an amendment to the Justice Bill that would enable former officer misconduct proceedings to be brought and concluded”.
“The provision will address concerns raised where officers have resigned/retired and have as a result, avoided disciplinary proceedings,” she said.
Starmer meeting is 'significant' step, say Chinook bereaved
NICK FORBES, Belfast Telegraph, April 23rd, 2026
Families of the 29 people killed in the 1994 Mull of Kintyre Chinook crash have welcomed the Prime Minister's agreement to meet with them as a “significant” step in their quest for “truth, transparency and accountability”.
Sir Keir Starmer made the commitment during Prime Minister's Questions yesterday, in response to a question from Liberal Democrat MP Tessa Munt.
The Wells and Mendip Hills MP said that, more than 30 years on from the crash, bereaved families still want to know “the reason why their loved ones were placed on board an aircraft which, according to the MoD's own test pilots, was described as 'positively dangerous'”. She asked Sir Keir whether he would “agree to meet the families, to rebuild trust and to offer the promised dialogue that the Ministry of Defence clearly finds so difficult to achieve”.
In response, the Prime Minister thanked her for raising the case, and said: “I will make sure that is looked at again in the light of what she has said, and that the families get the relevant meeting.”
The Chinook Justice Campaign — set up by the bereaved families — said it marks the first time in 30-plus years they have been offered the opportunity to put their case directly to the Prime Minister.
Jenni Balmer-Hornby, whose father died in the crash, said: “We are grateful to Tessa Munt MP for raising the Chinook case so powerfully in Prime Minister's Questions and ensuring the voices of the families were heard directly by the Prime Minister.
“After more than three decades of unanswered questions, the Prime Minister's agreement to meet is a significant and welcome step. We hope that meeting takes place as quickly as possible, and marks the beginning of a meaningful process to finally deliver truth, transparency and accountability for the families.”
RAF Chinook ZD576 crashed in foggy weather while flying from RAF Aldergrove in Co Antrim to Fort George near Inverness on June 2, 1994. For years, the pilots were wrongly blamed, before being formally cleared in 2011.
Families have continued to campaign for full disclosure of all documents relating to the crash and for a judge-led public inquiry, arguing that key questions about the circumstances of the disaster remain unanswered.
The campaign said it now hopes the PM's intervention will break the long-standing impasse, and lead to a clear timetable for the release of information and consideration of a full independent inquiry.
The MoD has been approached for comment.
PSNI Misconduct probes welcome
IRISH NEWS, April 23rd, 2026, Pro Fide et Patria
Changes to law on police
NEWS that Justice Minister Naomi Long intends to change the law so that PSNI disciplinary investigations can continue after officers have resigned or retired from the force will be widely welcomed.
It emerged last year that 66 officers had retired, left the PSNI under ill-health retirement or resigned while under investigation by the Professional Standards Department in the previous five years.
In these situations, investigations cannot continue because the officer is no longer employed by the force.
Such proceedings are vital both for public confidence in the PSNI and so that high standards of conduct are maintained and lessons learned, both institutionally and at an individual level, when mistakes are made.
“ Such proceedings are vital both for public confidence in the PSNI and so that high standards of conduct are maintained and lessons learned, both institutionally and at an individual level, when mistakes are made
The issue was raised again following the case of Katie Simpson (21), who died six days after being admitted to hospital in Derry in 2020.
Police initially treated her death as suicide, before her sister’s then partner, Jonathan Creswell (36), was later charged with her murder.
A Police Ombudsman investigation concluded that the initial investigation into the death was flawed and failed the Simpson family.
Disciplinary recommendations were made in respect of several officers, but could not proceed in the case of those who had retired.
Justice Minister Naomi Long has now confirmed she intends to table an amendment to the Justice Bill which will create “police barred and advisory lists” in the north.
These will hold details of officers and staff members who have been dismissed after disciplinary investigation, or in the case of advisory lists, have retired or resigned while subject to a probe or before an allegation has come to light.
A provision will also allow individuals who have resigned or retired while subject to a misconduct investigation to be “brought back to conclude those proceedings, or for proceedings to be conducted in the individual’s absence”.
If it is found that a former officer would have been dismissed were they still serving, they will be moved from the advisory to the barred list, which is used by law enforcement agencies when making appointments.
While resigning or retiring during a disciplinary investigation, for example due to ill-health, is not necessarily an indication of any guilt or wrongdoing, it is clear that proceedings should be able to conclude so that any issues can be fully addressed and lessons learned.
Barred and advisory lists are clearly also an important part of vetting processes if former officers go on to apply for roles in other police forces or related agencies.
It will be important that all parties support the change in law when it comes before the assembly and this flaw in procedures which are designed to remedy flaws within policing is addressed.
Social inequality and trauma driving mental illness here, says report
GARRETT HARGAN, Belfast Telegraph, April 23rd, 2026
A new report “lays bare the state of mental health in Northern Ireland”, where spending per person is the lowest in the UK.
The report by Mental Health Champion, Professor Siobhan O'Neill, ties together the ongoing impact of Northern Ireland's traumatic history, rising levels of distress, “chronic underinvestment” in mental health services, and the failure to adequately implement successive policies.
Titled Mental Health in Northern Ireland: Current Services and Strategic Priorities, it is an up-to-date review of the sector here.
Northern Ireland spends just £212 per person on mental health each year — the lowest in the UK and well below England's £264.
The report highlights how 18% of adults reported probable mental ill health in 2024/25, alongside evidence of greater illness complexity and disability than in other UK regions, and significant associated economic costs.
The report evidences the role of trauma and social inequality in driving mental ill-health and makes the case for a cross-departmental response to reduce both human suffering and the wider economic burden, noting that the Department of Health provides only 35% of funding for community and voluntary mental health services
A Mental Health Strategy aimed at transforming services exists, but the report says meaningful change will depend on sustained funding, political stability, better data, and the widespread adoption of trauma-informed practice.
Underinvestment
Delivery has been undermined by underinvestment, the report notes.
In the first three years, the Mental Health Strategy received only 16% of the funding required, equivalent to just 1% of the planned 10-year budget.
That falls far short of the funding plan's expectations, which assumed higher year-on-year investment to support rapid expansion of the workforce and services.
Professor O'Neill said: “I am struck by the progress we have made, and the challenges that still remain. The evidence is clear: whilst mental illness results from the accumulation of trauma and adversities across the lifespan, early adversity is particularly damaging.
“The early environment is critical in shaping emotional regulation and the risk of illness. Pressures are mounting, especially for children and young people, who experience significant distress, and too often struggle to access compassionate support.
“Adults too continue to feel the weight of adversity, economic uncertainty, and trauma. Women and girls, neurodivergent people, and marginalised groups encounter discrimination and barriers to care.
“Yet, there is much to acknowledge. The increasing role of people with lived experience in shaping services, the dedication of mental health workers, as well as the wider commitment to trauma informed practice, and early intervention, all offer hope. Still, the need for mental health services and supports outstrips capacity, and inequalities persist.
“Looking ahead, our priorities must be clear: invest in early intervention and prevention, advocate for sustainable and longer-term funding, build a stable, highly trained workforce, and ensure compassionate, timely mental health services and support for people who are struggling.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Health said they welcomed the report. They said: “A focus on the mental health workforce and crisis services are the two immediate priorities for 2026/27.”
A unity referendum could take place by 2030, says Michelle O'Neill
JONATHAN McCAMBRIDGE, Belfast Telegraph, April 23rd, 2026
The Sinn Fein vice president described unity as the “big idea” of her generation, adding she had “not given up” on the poll taking place by the end of the decade.
The party's ard fheis will take place in Belfast this weekend with keynote addresses from Ms O'Neill tomorrow and party leader Mary Lou McDonald on Saturday.
While the event will cover a number of areas, Ms O'Neill said Irish unity was the “big ticket conversation”.
She said: “I think when we look at a lot of the challenges we are facing in today's world, I think the answers to a lot of challenges that we face are actually in constitutional change.
“And we're only two years out from the Good Friday Agreement anniversary of 30 years.
“I want to see the fulfilment of that — we were promised a unity referendum, and now we need to see that delivered upon.”
Ms O'Neill, Northern Ireland's first nationalist First Minister, said while she was co-operating with other parties to make Stormont work, there were “limitations” in the Assembly and Executive arrangements.
She said: “We see a bigger, brighter future. We see something that's more meaningful to people's lives.
“If we could have constitutional change here, where we break up the link to policy choices in London that are showing a real disregard for people here. Brexit is the best example of all.
“Since that, we have had a rolling door of British prime ministers.
“None of them have fixed the fundamentals around the funding model here.
“None of them have actually acted in the best interests of people here.”
Ms O'Neill added: “I think that shows why we need to take control of our own fortunes, why we need to control our own destiny going forward.
“I think the best answers to a lot of big challenges today is constitutional change. I believe partition has failed all of us.
Elections will be focus of ard fheis
“There's so much to be achieved in the years ahead, and I'm certainly up for that. I think that'll be the real focus of the ard fheis.”
Senior Sinn Fein figures have often called for a unity referendum to take place by the end of the decade.
However, unionists have claimed there has been no increase in support for Irish unity, while Taoiseach Micheál Martin has previously said he is not planning for a border poll by 2030.
Under the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement, a referendum would be held if the Secretary of State believes it is likely that a majority of people in Northern Ireland would vote for Irish unification.
Asked if the prospect of a unity poll by the end of the decade was diminishing, Ms O'Neill said: “No, I don't give up on that. We have said that it should be 2030.
“We're going to fight two by-elections in the 26 counties over the course of the next number of months.
“We're going to fight an Assembly election next year, we're going to have a Westminster election, a Dail election.
“So, yes, I still think it's very conceivable we will have our unity referendum for 2030. I think all those elections will demonstrate that change is possible, will demonstrate that people endorse a better future, and we will use all those election opportunities to speak directly to the voters, to ask them to get behind the big idea of our generation.
“I believe the big idea of my generation is Irish unity, and I believe that there's opportunity to rectify the wrongs of partition.”
