Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann has said yesterday’s resignation speech by former Armed Forces Minister Al Carns has confirmed long-standing claims that a difficult relationship between the Ministry of Defence and the Northern Ireland Office lies behind repeated delays to the Troubles Bill.

Robin Swann MP said:

“It has long been recognised that the fracturous relationship between the Ministry of Defence and the Northern Ireland Office was what had delayed and stalled the Troubles Bill. Al Cairns’ comments yesterday has put that firmly on the record.

“Unfortunately the record, and previous comments from the new Defence Ministerial team, would have me questioning if their opposition to the persecution of veterans and lack of support of victims will be as resolute.”