Loughgall Inquest Back From The Dead
Lawfare returns, veterans thrown to the wolves, no closure in sight
Before any changes to the Legacy Act are finalised, Hilary Benn’s promise to reopen the Loughgall inquest feels like another case of politics being disguised as justice. For many, Loughgall is still a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Bringing back this inquest, supposedly to uphold the rule of law, undermines the trust of those who served. It puts appearances ahead of real closure for veterans and their families.
To be clear, reopening old wounds without new evidence only helps those who want to keep past grievances alive. It does not move us toward reconciliation or justice. Instead, it risks pulling veterans back into legal battles they thought were over long ago.
Anyone who cares about the rule of law and fairness should find this decision worrying. It creates a risky situation where legal processes become tools for political gain instead of real justice. The fact that the state kept detailed records while terrorists acted in secret only makes it more unfair to reopen these cases.
Moreover, the purported “protections” offered to veterans are paper-thin at best, failing to shield them from the relentless scrutiny and legal harassment they now face anew. It’s a slap in the face to those who have already endured decades of scrutiny for decisions made under government orders.
We need our leaders to be open and responsible. How many times must veterans go through the pain of their service before we recognise the true cost of political games? If we respect their sacrifices, we should push for a fairer legal system that treats veterans equally and makes sure future inquests focus on justice, not politics. Let’s speak up and make sure our leaders honour those who served.
This is not just about legal details. It is about our moral responsibility to those who risked everything for their country. We should expect more from our leaders and legal system. Demand that justice and fairness stay at the center, and ask your representatives to support policies that truly protect and respect veterans’ sacrifices.
#Loughgall #LegacyInquest #VeteransRights #RuleOfLaw #Justice #UKPolitics
A wonderfully detailed account of the excellent security operation at Loughgall can be found here. https://sagedespatches.wordpress.com/2023/06/06/the-terror-years-on-the-road-to-gibraltar-part-5/
During the Troubles, the IRA/INLA groups were responsible for 60% of the 3,500 lives lost…….Loyalist groups 30% and the security forces 10%.
As I say in this piece - https://jwthedilettantepolymath.substack.com/p/photo-of-the-week-c59 - who should be investigating and suing who?
Cui bono?
The Labour Party and their lawyer activist friends.