The government has defended its approach to reforming legislation to deal with the legacy of the Troubles, after criticism from its own Northern Ireland veterans commissioner. David Johnstone said that the government’s proposed legislation treats veterans “worse than terrorists”. A commission to investigate Troubles-related killings and a separate information recovery body will be established under the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill. Labour’s Bill, agreed as part of a framework with the Irish Government, will put in place a reformed Legacy Commission with enhanced powers. “The Troubles Bill will put in place six new and effective protections for our veterans.

Source: Irish Examiner January 02, 2026 18:00 UTC