Belfast City Council Vote on Armed Forces Covenant 4 June 2025 It was extremely disappointing to hear that Belfast City Council voted 29-28 to ensure that the Armed Forces Covenant is not implemented. It is unacceptable that in 2025, political parties actively vote in favour of discrimination and inequality. We need to be clear, the […]
Read More… Statement from Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner – David Johnstone
Response to Legacy Petition 23 May 2025 It is encouraging to see the incredible public response to the petition. To have reached 100,000 signatures in under two weeks clearly demonstrates the strength of feeling across our communities on this deeply important issue. A petition of this scale is a powerful exercise in democracy, it reflects […]
Read More… Statement from Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner – David Johnstone
Over the weekend, a truly special celebration took place just outside Newry, where family, friends, dignitaries, and comrades gathered to mark the 100th birthday of Captain John Gough, a proud Irish Guards veteran of the Second World War. The celebration was hosted by the Ulster Branch Irish Guards Association at Captain Gough’s home and was […]
Read More… Honouring a Century of Service: Captain John Gough Celebrates 100 Remarkable Years
NI VETERANS COMMISSIONER – PRESS RELEASE – 16 APRIL 2025 While many in society have moved on from the dark days of the NI Troubles, veterans are not being allowed to and this must stop. This week marks 27 years since the Belfast Agreement was signed. All these years later, while society have moved on […]
21 February 2025 It is not surprising to hear the news that the files, in relation to the Clonoe incident, have been sent to the Public Prosecution Service. Many veterans believe there is a deliberate strategy by the republican movement to use the legal system to demonise the security forces. The so called ‘armed struggle’ […]
5 February 2025 The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office (NIVCO) is pleased to announce the return of its Veterans Roadshows for 2025. These events are designed to strengthen connections within the veteran community and provide direct access to vital services. What Are the Veterans Roadshows? The Veterans Roadshows offer a face-to-face platform where veterans can […]
4 November 2024 Remembrance is a powerful time of year, a solemn yet vital occasion for veterans of all ages across every branch of service and conflict. For many, it’s a time to reflect, remember, and honour the sacrifices made by fellow servicemen and women. This year, the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office sought to […]
Read More… Voices of Remembrance – NI Veterans personal reflections
NI Veterans Newsletter – Issue 1, Is here! We’re excited to announce that the latest edition of the Veterans Newsletter NI, brought to you by the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office (NIVCO), is now available! This edition is packed with updates, news, and stories from across the veterans’ community over the last six months. What’s […]
5 September 2024 “I can confirm that I have today resigned from my position as Northern Ireland Veterans’ Commissioner. “Following an open and frank conversation with the Secretary of State, I have sadly concluded that I cannot provide the independent voice that veterans require. “There is a feeling among some veterans in Northern Ireland that […]