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Written question asked by James Cartlidge (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 October 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 October 2025. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Thursday, 23 October 2025 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Terrorism: Northern Ireland

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to paragraph 20 of the Explanatory Notes to the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, whether right to give evidence remotely will include alleged members of paramilitary organisations.

Answer

The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill includes strong safeguards for veterans that were not included in the 2023 Act, and that respond directly to the concerns expressed during engagements that the Government has undertaken. The Government is also taking forward some measures on a non-legislative basis. All of the measures that the Government has announced are being introduced in order to protect and ensure fair treatment of any veteran who is asked to engage with legacy mechanisms.

Some measures will apply only to veterans, including the protection from cold calling and the new safeguard that ensures veterans from giving unnecessary evidence on historical context and general operational details.

Other measures, including the right to give evidence remotely and having regard to the welfare of witnesses, will necessarily apply to others. This will ensure, for example, that former police officers are able to avail of these measures.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
82704
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Courts Northern Ireland Terrorism Remote hearings
Legislation
Northern Ireland Troubles Bill 2024-26 to 2026-27
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk