Northern Ireland Veterans Movement calls for 'reset' with Chris Bryant on Troubles legacy

placeholder image — A veterans body has congratulated Chris Bryant on his appointment as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland – and called for "a reset" in relations with his office.

A veterans body has congratulated Chris Bryant on his appointment as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland – and called for "a reset" in relations with his office.

The Northern Ireland Veterans Movement (NIVM), which represents 16 veterans groups, was formed in 2015 after the third attempted prosecution of Troubles veteran Dennis Hutchings (pictured).

In a statement the group said it welcomes Chris Bryant to his new role and "extends our congratulations as he takes up this critical post".

NIVM said it represents thousands of veterans who served during Operation Banner, "many of whom continue to live with the long shadow of Legacy processes and repeated cycles of lawfare".

The Northern Ireland Veterans Movement (NIVM), which represents 16 veterans groups, was formed in 2015 after the third attempted prosecution of Troubles veteran Dennis Hutchings.

The group said it looks forward to engaging constructively with Mr Bryant at the earliest opportunity.

"For years, veterans have felt unheard and unprotected,” it added. “Under Hilary Benn’s tenure, there was a widespread belief among our members that their concerns were not listened to, and that the direction of travel on Legacy risked resurrecting the very lawfare that has already caused immense harm."

The group said the Labour-produced Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, which is currently before Parliament, is "deeply unpopular among veterans and now facing significant difficulties" which it says is "emblematic” of a “disconnect” with veterans.

"NIVM is glad to see the end of an approach that, in the eyes of veterans, placed disproportionate weight on those representing perpetrators while sidelining those who served.

"Chris Bryant now has an opportunity to reset the relationship between the Office of the Secretary of State and the veteran community.

"He can restore confidence that this government will treat veterans with fairness, dignity, and respect—rather than continuing policies that empower those who represent terrorist organisations and perpetuate lawfare against those who defended the community.

"NIVM urges the new Secretary of State to drop the hated Troubles Bill and to work with all Legacy stakeholders, including the veteran community, to build a credible, balanced, and just framework.”