Helen McEntee’s comments came after UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated there may be new protections for military veterans added to the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill his Government is taking through Parliament. The joint framework on legacy unveiled by London and Dublin last September outlined a range of measures and mechanisms for dealing with historical cases from the Northern Ireland conflict. At the same time it published the framework, the Labour Government also announced a separate set of proposals it described as “new protections, rights and safeguards for Northern Ireland veterans”. They measures included allowing witnesses who participate in new legacy processes the option to give evidence remotely without travelling to Northern Ireland. The minister, who was visiting Stormont for the first time since becoming Minister for Foreign Affairs late last year, said the joint framework represented a “fine balance”.

Source: The Herald January 07, 2026 18:37 UTC