Nigel Farage has blasted the Government for reviving the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, warning it will leave British soldiers, particularly the SAS, exposed to fresh legal battles dating back more than 50 years.
Speaking on his GB News programme, the Reform UK leader said he “literally can’t understand” why ministers have chosen to bring the legislation back before Parliament, accusing them of reopening “a whole series of potential legal actions against British soldiers” who served during the Troubles.
Nigel revealed he has spoken to both serving and former members of the SAS who say the move is not only “grossly unfair” to those who risked their lives for the country, but “equally disastrous” for morale and recruitment within the UK’s elite special forces.
The controversial bill passed a Commons vote yesterday, establishing a reformed Legacy Commission and statutory advisory groups to support victims and survivors, including those from service backgrounds.
The legislation is designed to investigate unsolved killings from the Troubles, a conflict that claimed thousands of lives and left tens of thousands more injured between 1968 and 1998.
Under the new framework, the Commission will have enhanced powers to gather information and hear directly from victims, families and witnesses.
The Home Office has stated that the reforms aim to provide clarity, reconciliation and justice for all affected, while maintaining a balanced approach to investigating decades-old incidents.
Speaking on The People's Channel, Nigel said: "For reasons I literally don't understand, this Government is bringing back the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.
Nigel Farage has blasted the Government for reviving the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill
|GB NEWS
"What that does is to keep open a whole series of potential legal actions against British soldiers, going back literally 50 years and more.
"And in particular, this is a problem for the SAS. And I've met with many SAS veterans. I've spoken to some that are still serving.
"I'm told that it is not only unfair on those who did their job for their country, it's equally disastrous for morale amongst our special forces and is damaging recruitment.
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Nigel Farage said that the bill is 'remarkable'
|GB NEWS
"And today, and this is remarkable, the Special Air Service Regimental Association have sent a pre-action letter to the Right Honourable Hilary Bann, who was the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
"Never before in our history has the regimental association threatened legal action against a British Government.
"But here's why. Here's a quote I'm going to give you from soldier Z somebody who is who, who took part in a very well known action and literally is being hounded.
"This is what he has to say. He says human rights lawyers are not going to defend the public against terrorists.
"They are the people defending terrorists in court.
"As a nation, we must collectively act to reverse this current course of action.
"And more importantly, and this is crucial, folks reassure our US allies that we can still be relied upon as their most valuable, as their most valued partner to take the shot when required."
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