Prime Minister Keir Starmer signaled that new protections for military veterans will be added to the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill now before Parliament.

O’Neill intends to convey these concerns directly to Hilary Benn in a Wednesday meeting.

A joint framework between London and Dublin last September outlined reforms to the legacy regime, including removal of the provision offering conditional immunity to perpetrators.

She plans to relay these concerns to Secretary of State Hilary Benn in a Wednesday meeting, urging the legislation to win the support of victims and survivors without privileging state forces.

O’Neill reiterates that the legislation should be human rights compliant and broadly supported by victims, warning against any preferential treatment for state forces.

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill has voiced deep concern about the direction of legacy legislation addressing Troubles-era issues under the Labour government.

O’Neill demands that any legislation addressing the Troubles must be victim-centered, human rights compliant, and non-discriminatory, and will not support measures that provide preferential treatment to British state forces or veterans.

Labour is overhauling the Legacy Act, replacing provisions that previously restricted inquests and civil actions related to conflict-era incidents.