The UK Government has for the first time publicly acknowledged that the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill requires amendments to ensure better safeguards for veterans, according to the DUP.

The admission came during Prime Minister's Questions, where DUP Leader Gavin Robinson MP expressed the concerns of the veteran community regarding the current draft of the legislation. Mr Robinson argued that the six protections cited by the government are procedural and apply equally to both veterans and terrorists, failing to offer a distinct safeguard for those who served in the Armed Forces.

Responding to these concerns, the Prime Minister noted the "strength of feeling" on the issue and confirmed that the Government has been engaging with veterans. He stated that the results of these considerations will be visible "when the Bill reaches the Committee Stages." Following the exchange, Gavin Robinson MP said: "It is significant and welcome that the Government has now publicly accepted that its Troubles Bill requires amendment. However, we will need to see detail and veterans alone must be protected and not left to rely on intent alone. As yet there is no clarity on the new Government amendments and what impact they would have or whether they will provide real protection in law. The DUP will continue to scrutinise this legislation closely and press the Government to ensure that any amendments deliver genuine fairness for veterans. Those who upheld the rule of law must not be treated as morally or legally equivalent to the terrorists who sought to destroy our country and the rule of law."

The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill is intended to replace previous legacy legislation, and the DUP has remained steadfast in its position that those who served legally must be distinguished from those responsible for paramilitary violence.