Chris Bryant

Chris Bryant

Labour — Rhondda and Ogmore

Speaking in the House of Commons on 20 October 2026

Debate

Northern Ireland Troubles Bill

Contribution

I have been inspired. Let me say first that national security is obviously a matter for the respective Governments, but in the UK, it is solely a matter for the UK. The provision in the Bill replicates the drafting of the ICIR treaty, which was signed by the UK Conservative Government and the Irish Government back in 2015. It also replicates the drafting of Ireland’s “General Scheme of the Legacy of the Troubles Bill 2026”, which states: “In performing its functions the ICIR shall not do anything that could reasonably be expected to…prejudice the national security interests of the State”— the Irish state— “or the United Kingdom”. In other words, we look after our security, and they look after theirs.

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