Andy Burnham issued major warning over Troubles Bill

Andy Burnham issued major warning over Troubles Bill The Prime Minister is facing criticism over the Troubles Bill as it returns to the Commons Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Katie Harris , Senior Political Correspondent 20:08, Mon, Oct 12, 2026 Updated: 20:41, Mon, Oct 12, 2026 Andy Burnham has been issued a warning by the Tories over the Troubles Bill (Image: Getty) Kemi Badenoch warned Andy Burnham the Tories will keep fighting against the Troubles Bill as the controversial legislation returns to the Commons tomorrow. Labour introduced the proposed law to replace the Legacy Act brought in by the previous Conservative Government, which aimed to draw a line under the Northern Ireland conflict and legal cases which have followed. But the Tory leader raised fears that the Bill will lead to witch hunts of elderly veterans who served during the 30 years of unrest. Writing in the Daily Express, she said: "Decades after serving their country, former soldiers face the prospect of endless investigations, legal bills, and the constant threat of prosecution hanging over their final years. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT "I have met many of these veterans. I have heard their stories and witnessed their anguish. I have assured them that Conservatives will fight this injustice every step of the way." Mrs Badenoch also accused the Prime Minister of using ex-soldiers as "pawns" in his bid to reverse Brexit . Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . Kemi Badenoch warns the Troubles Bill will lead to witch hunts against veterans (Image: Getty) Politics LIVE: Andy Burnham completely skewered over Brexit in Commons showdown She said: "This isn’t really about veterans. Labour desperately wants closer ties with the EU. To achieve that, they need the support of the Irish Government. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT "Our Northern Ireland veterans have become pawns in a cynical game of political chess, with Andy Burnham and Chris Bryant prepared to sacrifice them for the prize they crave: a path back into Europe." Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT It comes as the Government has tabled a series of amendments to the Bill which it says enhance existing protections. As part of the measures, the UK’s Attorney General will have a new role in deciding whether serious Troubles-related prosecutions should go ahead. Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant said: “This Bill is about completing the unfinished business of the Good Friday Agreement, getting answers for the many families, including veterans’ families, who lost a loved one. “I am confident that this legislation will be a significant step towards a more reconciled society. “We want to get the Bill right. So today we have introduced a significant package of amendments, establishing robust, permanent safeguards that ensure former armed forces personnel and police officers are treated with the fairness, dignity and respect they deserve. “These amendments have been developed through extensive engagement with veterans’ groups, whilst ensuring that this Bill will also enable victims and bereaved families, including the families of soldiers, who have waited long years for answers, to seek information and, potentially, closure on what happened to their loved ones.” The Conservatives' Legacy Act established an investigative body aimed at uncovering information and giving closure to the families of those killed in the Troubles. However, it sparked criticism from some for offering conditional immunity from prosecution to those who shared information about crimes they were involved in. But Labour's proposed law has faced widespread condemnation including from former defence minister and ex-Royal Marine Al Carns. When he quit as armed forces minister in June, the Labour MP warned it could lead to “70 to 80-year-old veterans being dragged to court”. The Bill will be debated in the Commons on Tuesday and voted on next week. If it passes it will move to the House of Lords. Northern Ireland Kemi Badenoch Andy Burnham Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments