Statement: Changes to the NI Legacy Bill
Twenty years ago, I stood in the House of Commons and confronted then-Prime Minister Tony Blair over the disgraceful treatment of our Armed Forces veterans who served in Northern Ireland. Two decades later, we are once again faced with the same injustice.
The proposed changes to the Northern Ireland Legacy Bill would reopen the door to repeated and vexatious investigations against our veterans. Our Armed Forces are the pride of Britain, and this is frankly a betrayal of those who risked everything to protect our United Kingdom and protect our people from terrorism.
The Good Friday Agreement led to the release of Irish Republican bombers - many of whom have since entered politics across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Europe, but our Armed Forces personnel continue to face relentless legal persecution for the crime of defending their country.
I stand resolutely with Rolling Thunder UK, Justice for Northern Ireland Veterans, and all those campaigning to stop these disgraceful proposals. Our veterans deserve our gratitude for their sacrifice, not prosecution. I urge His Majesty's Government to honour the promises made to those who served in the name of the Cown. We must salute our veterans and not allow history to repeat itself.
Andrew Rosindell M.P., Member of Parliament for Romford
