Daily Express campaign to protect veterans from Labour's 'two-tier justice' lauded

A petition calling on the Government to abandon plans to repeal the Legacy Act has surpassed 200,000 signatures. Labour promised in their manifesto to repeal and replace the act over concerns that it was unlawful and denied service families justice, but veterans have severely criticised the move, arguing it leaves them vulnerable to vexatious prosecutions.

The success of the petition, backed by the Daily Express, has seen the matter debated in Parliament, and it surpasses the milestone just weeks after the Government announced a new joint UK/Irish framework on legacy mechanisms for Northern Ireland. Shadow Armed Forces Ministe, Mark Francois said: "I would like to thank the Express and their readers for their staunch campaigning on this vital issue. We cannot allow this two-tier justice - one rule for NI Veterans and another for the likes of Gerry Adams- to go ahead, and this shows how strongly the British public agrees."

A defence source told the Daily Express that the Government underestimated the strength of feeling among the general public, leading them to assume they would be able to repeal the law with little controversy.

They added: "I fear that they are stubbornly pressing on with it as it is the only part of their manifesto they feel able to stick to."

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said the "significant reforms" "draw on the principles" of the unimplemented Stormont House Agreement of 2014.

The Labour MP also confirmed UK Government plans to separate measures aimed at offering protections to witnesses participating in Troubles-related probes.

There will be specific measures designed for veterans, such as the ability for them to participate or give evidence remotely from Great Britain, without having to travel back to Northern Ireland.

Mr Benn said: "Given the wide range of views held by victims and survivors' groups, individuals, families, veterans and political parties in Northern Ireland, it is clear that a perfect outcome is not attainable.

"But we firmly believe that this agreement, underpinned by new commitments from our two Governments, represents the right approach and history teaches us that peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland make most progress when our two Governments work together."

The new legacy framework envisages a significant overhaul and restructuring of the existing Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

A spokesperson for the ICRIR said the framework provide "clarity".

They said: "The ICRIR is led by the law and ready for reform.

"The governments' joint framework provides clarity.

"It promises new powers, enhanced independence, and improved capabilities. This is important, timely and welcome.

"At the heart of legacy issues, are the victims, survivors, and families of the Troubles/conflict.