"Nothing in the government's new Troubles legacy legislation is a direct threat to national security, the Northern Ireland secretary has said. Hilary Benn was responding to questions from MPs as they debated the bill for more than three hours during its second reading in the House of Commons. The bill, which comfortably passed its latest stage by 320 votes to 105, includes plans for a commission to investigate Troubles-related killings and a separate information recovery body."
"Last week, nine senior former military officers raised concerns over the bill and warned that "lawfare" had become a "direct threat to national security". Asked about the open letter in The Times newspaper during the debate on Tuesday, Benn told MPs: "I don't agree with that assessment." The secretary of state said there was "nothing in this bill that can be described as a direct threat to national security". He also said the generals who signed the letter "do not call for immunity"."
The new Troubles legacy legislation would establish a Legacy Commission to investigate Troubles-related killings, an information recovery body, and a dedicated legacy unit within An Garda Siochana. The bill passed its second reading by 320 votes to 105 and follows a joint framework agreed with the Irish government. Nine senior former military officers warned that "lawfare" could threaten national security, but the Northern Ireland secretary said he disagrees and that nothing in the bill constitutes a direct threat. The UK government also proposes a separate package of protections for veterans. Debates continue among MPs, including Northern Ireland representatives.
Read at www.bbc.com
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