Tag Archives: Karen Bradley

Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley in the House of Commons yesterday

Yesterday, I made comments regarding the actions of soldiers during the Troubles. I want to apologise. I am profoundly sorry for the offence and hurt that my words have caused.

The language was wrong and even though this was not my intention, it was deeply insensitive to many of those who lost loved ones.

I know from those families that I have met personally just how raw their pain is and I completely understand why they want to see justice properly delivered.

I share that aim and that is why I launched the public consultation on addressing the legacy of the Troubles. My position and the position of this Government is clear.

We believe fundamentally in the rule of law. Where there is evidence of wrongdoing this should be pursued without fear or favour whoever the perpetrators might be.

That is a principle that underpins our approach to dealing with legacy issues and it is one from which we will not depart.

A statement released by the Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley this afternoon.

It follows her comments in the House of Commons yesterday in which she said killings by the British security forces during the Troubles were “not crimes”.

Yesterday: Obeying Orders

This afternoon.

The House of Commons.

“Over 90 per cent of the killings during the Troubles were at the hands of terrorists, every single one of those was a crime

The fewer than 10 per cent that were at the hands of the military and police were not crimes.

They were people acting under orders and under instruction and fulfilling their duty in a dignified and appropriate way.”

UK Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley.

NI secretary: Security force killings ‘not crimes’ (BBC)