British Soliders Serving In North During Troubles, Expected To Be Exempt From Prosecution

Creation of statute of limitations

British soldiers who served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles are to be exempt from prosecution.

Reports in British newspapers, the The Times of London and the Daily Telegraph, note it is to be announced by Queen Elizabeth in a speech next week.

It's believed new legislation would create a statute of limitations on any alleged offences committed before the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Simon Coveney, says the Irish Government oppose any unilateral action on legacy issues connected to the Troubles.

I’ve met many victims of the Troubles & their families. I’ve seen ongoing heartbreak & pain whenever legacy is in news. Irish Govt is clear that we oppose any unilateral action on legacy, contrary to SHA. Victims&NI must be the priority, the only priority! https://t.co/sra1KACinD

— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) May 6, 2021

The bill would cover members of loyalist and republican paramilitary groups and ban prosecutions for them also.

SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood, believes legislation change will be a betrayal of victims:

Mark Thompson, CEO of Relatives for Justice, says the plans are scandalous:

Sinn Féin MP for North Belfast, John Finucane, who is still seeking justice for the murder of his father Pat - has condemned the move: