Debate contribution: Armed Forces Covenant
Debate contribution by Ms Michelle O'Neill on .
- MLA
- Ms Michelle O'Neill
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 19 October 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Armed Forces Covenant
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5795529
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I absolutely agree with the Member. As he knows, the British army's involvement here over decades was seen by many of our people as that of an occupying military force. Its actions and the failure to secure truth and accountability for those actions continue to cast a long shadow over all efforts to deal with the legacy of the past. We can point to many examples, such as the findings of the Saville inquiry, subsequent inquests and the apologies issued by the British Government. All those things have documented the profound suffering caused to victims and bereaved families. For many families, the struggle to secure truth and accountability continues. That is seen in the fact that, even as we speak, Westminster is debating legacy legislation that I can characterise only as a veterans' charter, because it is about giving preferential treatment to veterans over the needs of many victims and families. At a time when families are still fighting for justice and information about what happened to their loved ones, the proposals being discussed today are more about preferential protections for former members of British state forces. All that does is undermine the needs of victims, their families and all who have been bereaved, which is deeply concerning.
208 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Assessment
Awaiting analysis
This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.
Disagree with this assessment?
Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.