Veterans are sounding the alarm over fears that Labour’s plan to scrap the Legacy Act could open the floodgates for a wave of prosecutions against soldiers who served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. The Legacy Act, brought in by the Conservatives, shut down historic inquests and blocked new civil claims against service personnel — but that could all be undone under Labour’s proposals.
Now, there are growing concerns that this move could lead to what some are calling a “two-tier justice system”, where veterans are dragged through the courts while terrorists walk free.
The situation flared up after it was revealed that a campaign group representing the families of eight IRA members killed by the SAS in 1987 at Loughgall had been given an “unequivocal commitment” by Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn that their inquest would go ahead. If the inquest finds unlawful killings, it could pave the way for civil or even criminal action against the soldiers involved.
Veterans’ Commissioner David Johnstone didn’t hold back, calling the move “immoral” and “imbalanced”, adding: “Nobody is above the law, but what law are we applying here? These soldiers acted under the rules of engagement at the time, not modern human rights legislation.”
He warned that repealing the act could see up to 100 veterans facing prosecution and hundreds more caught up in civil suits — a far cry from the amnesty IRA members received via “comfort letters” under the Good Friday Agreement.
Others echoed his frustration. SAS veteran Michael Hawkes, who served in Northern Ireland, said he sleeps well knowing dangerous people are no longer a threat, but added it’s a disgrace that soldiers in their 60s and 70s are left fearing prosecution.
Paul Young, from the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Movement, said many feel they can’t get a fair trial, branding the justice system as being “dominated by Republicans”. He recalled the tragic case of 80-year-old Dennis Hutchings, who died while on trial in Belfast, calling it a disgraceful end for a man already battling serious illness.
Veterans say Labour’s approach sends the wrong message to serving soldiers, especially with talk of deployments to places like Ukraine. “Why would anyone risk their life for a country that will chase them through the courts in old age?” asked Mr Hawkes.
A Tory source said they’re gearing up for a fight in Parliament, warning Labour’s plans could even allow former IRA figures like Gerry Adams to sue the British taxpayer, calling the move “totally unacceptable.”
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