Why Labour's Legacy Act Change is a "Shameful Betrayal" of Northern Ireland Veterans

Former Colonel Tim Collins leads charge against Labour's plans to pave the way for 'politically-driven harassment

Up to 70 former British soldiers could face prosecution over their service during The Troubles, as Labour pushes forward with controversial plans to change the Northern Ireland Legacy Act.

The move has sparked outrage among veterans' groups and supporters, with hundreds of former servicemen expected to descend on Whitehall today in protest.

Former British Army colonel Tim Collins, writing in The Telegraph, has condemned Sir Keir Starmer's stance as "shameful," accusing the Labour leader of "downplaying an issue that will confront every Labour MP during the upcoming recess."

Veterans Under Threat

The stark reality facing our veterans is sobering. According to official figures cited by Col Collins:

• Over 800 soldiers and 300 police officers were killed during The Troubles

• Thousands more were left permanently injured

• Less than 10% of killings during ‘The Troubles’ were by security forces, with nearly all deemed lawful under established rules of engagement

"Families across the UK sent their sons to keep the peace in Northern Ireland. Many never came home," Collins writes, highlighting the human cost of the conflict.

The Proposed Changes

Labour's planned changes to the 2023 Legacy Act would:

• Allow fresh historical inquests into deaths during ‘The Troubles’

• Permit new civil actions against veterans

• Potentially expose dozens of former servicemen to prosecution

Sir David Davis MP has warned that these changes would "sacrifice veterans to politically-motivated lawyers trying to rewrite history with a pack of lies."

A Question of Justice

Col Collins, who witnessed Prime Minister Starmer's response in a recent PMQ’s, says he was "dumbstruck" by what he saw as a "frivolous and even disdainful" attitude toward veterans' concerns. The former colonel argues that while former IRA members received "comfort letters" protecting them from prosecution under the Blair administration, no such guarantees were extended to military personnel.

Public Support Growing

A petition titled "Protect Northern Ireland Veterans from Prosecution" has gathered almost 172,000 signatures in just two months, demonstrating public outrage over the treatment of veterans. The parliamentary debate scheduled today comes at a crucial time, as constituents across the country question their MPs' stance on this vital issue.

The Wider Impact

Veterans' advocates argue that these prosecutions would not only impact individual servicemen but would:

• Divert crucial funds from the NHS and welfare

• Attempt to rewrite historical narratives

• Potentially damage the peace process

• Create unnecessary tension with veteran communities

Taking Action

As the parliamentary debate approaches, Col Collins poses a crucial question to all MPs: "Whose side are you on? Will they support costly historical revisionism that diverts funds from the NHS and welfare, or will they stand with the majority of British citizens and reject baseless prosecutions?"

Veterans and supporters are urged to:

• Attend Monday's protest at Whitehall

• Contact their local MPs

• Sign the ongoing petition

• Share their stories and support

---

This post draws from reporting by Genevieve Holl-Allen and commentary by Col Tim Collins in The Telegraph (14/7/25)