Labour MP Alistair Carns Plans Rebellion Over Northern Ireland Troubles Bill

Alistair Carns, a former Labour defense minister, is preparing to rebel against the government over the contentious Northern Ireland Troubles Bill. Carns has put forward an amendment that aims to consolidate inquests for Troubles-related deaths under a new Legacy Commission, a move he argues would save significant taxpayer money and offer a more balanced approach to addressing past events.

The proposed amendment seeks to transfer ongoing inquests to the Legacy Commission, a body established to investigate deaths during the Troubles and provide answers to affected families. The current government legislation, originally introduced by the Conservative administration, would continue existing inquests and direct only new cases to the Legacy Commission.

Carns, who resigned from the government in June citing defense funding disputes and his opposition to the Troubles Bill, believes his amendment would create a single, simplified pathway for truth, reconciliation, and justice. He has stated that individual inquests can cost between £20 million and £200 million and are susceptible to political influence. "We end up with pretty outrageous decisions, veterans are put under immense pressure and while the chance of prosecution is vanishingly small, the process is the punishment of the inquests," Carns told The Times.

David Johnstone, the Northern Ireland veterans commissioner appointed by Labour last year, supports Carns' amendment. Johnstone expressed concern that the current system, with its potential for appeals and judicial reviews up to the Supreme Court and access to legal aid for families, constitutes "lawfare on steroids" for veterans.

The Bill's progress has faced scrutiny, with opposition MPs criticizing the limited time allocated for debating numerous amendments. Sir David Davis, a former Conservative minister, called for the government to "drop this evil Bill and start again," arguing that it unfairly targets the reputations of soldiers.

Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant, opening a debate on Tuesday, emphasized the Bill's necessity for families seeking answers about loved ones lost during the Troubles. "I don't think we can ever really build a strong future for Northern Ireland unless we fully understand the past, and understanding the past means making sure that we get answers for people," he stated.

The Bill's return to the House of Commons for further debate and potential votes is anticipated early next week. The government has also proposed amendments, including one granting the UK Attorney General final authority on whether to proceed with Troubles-related prosecutions.