On Monday 14th July, I travelled on the early morning flight to Westminster to participate in a Westminster Hall debate on an issue of deep personal and national importance—the prosecution of Northern Ireland veterans. My name was officially listed to speak, and I was the eleventh member down to contribute to the debate. To say I am angry is an understatement. Despite my role as an elected Northern Ireland MP, I was denied the opportunity to speak. Even more disgracefully, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland ignored two direct attempts by me to intervene during the discussion.
This was a debate focused on Northern Ireland and on our brave veterans—those who stood against terrorism, often at great personal cost. To be silenced on this matter is wholly unacceptable. I will not allow this issue to pass without my voice being heard. I will not be silenced. Below is the speech I intended to deliver in Westminster Hall, and I now share it publicly because the voices of our veterans—and those who stand with them—must not be ignored:
We gather today to address an issue that strikes at the heart of our British identity, our values, and is a matter of profound importance: the prosecution of British veterans for their service actions. These courageous men and women, who served us without fear or favour, often find themselves entangled in legal battles as they enter the later years of their lives. I am here to express my strong opposition to this prosecution.
Reflect on the complexities and dangers our veterans faced, standing against terrorists who showed no hesitation in committing atrocities—murdering women and children, targeting disabled retired police officers, and committing arson in hotels and shops. These brave individuals confronted ruthless evil, forced to make split-second decisions in life-or-death situations. Decisions made under such immense pressure cannot be fairly scrutinised through the retrospective lens of certain civilian legal standards. To do so fundamentally misunderstands the unique and challenging nature of warfare.
Our veterans operated under directives issued by the lawmakers who sent them into conflict. They did not choose their battles or the rules of engagement they followed, yet they are now persecuted for actions taken in our collective interest. This is not merely a personal betrayal of our veterans, but a failure of a government that demands compliance yet offers little protection in return. This stands in stark contrast to the ‘letters of comfort’ previously given to those who feared arrest for terrorism.
Does the government recognise that prosecuting veterans for decisions made while facing ruthless terrorism and in the heat of battle undermines morale and cohesion within our armed forces? It discourages future generations from serving. Who would willingly step into such a role, knowing they could be legally penalised for doing what their country asked of them?
Consider also the mental and emotional toll these prosecutions impose. Many of our veterans already contend with the invisible scars of war, such as PTSD and other mental health challenges. Subjecting them to further legal stress exacerbates these conditions and hinders their reintegration and positive contribution to society after their heroic service.
We cannot allow our veterans to be prosecuted for actions taken in the service of our nation. Instead, we must honour their sacrifices and elevate our support to what they rightfully deserve—not just with words and hollow gratitude, but with sincere, tangible support and understanding.
“I will not stand by and let Sinn Féin rewrite history at the expense of our veterans. Those who served did so with honour and must never be vilified to suit a political agenda.”
I urge the government to fully grasp the gravity of this issue and to take a stand in defence of those who once stood for us. Our veterans served with courage and dignity. It is our turn to show them the same loyalty and respect they gave this nation.
Alex Easton MP
Member of Parliament for North Down
