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
Statement from Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner – David Johnstone 15 May I welcome the UK Government’s announcement of the new VALOUR service, supported by a £50 million investment over three years, in veteran services across the UK. This is a significant opportunity to strengthen support for our veterancommunity. That said, I await further detail on the duration of this funding and how it will be allocated in practice. In Northern Ireland, it is important that any new support structures build upon and complement the existing, trusted networks ofveteran-focused organisations and services, rather than duplicate or fragment the support already in place. I note the introduction of regional field officers, which appears to reflect the collaborative approach already working well in NI […]
Today marks 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe, a moment we commemorate as Victory in Europe (VE) Day. It was the day the guns fell silent across the continent, bringing an end to years of tyranny, heartbreak, and unimaginable loss during what was the most devastating conflict of its time. […]
Read More… Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day
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 […]
24 March 2025 Please see below statement from NI Veterans Commissioner, David Johnstone. Over the weekend it came to light that the Ministry of Defence is set to challenge the recent inquest ruling by Mr Justice Humphreys that the military was not justified in using lethal force at Clonoe in 1992. As Veterans Commissioner, I […]
Read More… MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DECISION TO CHALLENGE CLONOE INQUEST RULING
11 March 2025 The Northern Ireland Veteran Commissioner’s Office is excited to announce the upcoming launch of its brand-new podcast, Once a Warrior – Life Beyond the Uniform. Over the past two months, Commissioner David Johnstone has recorded six episodes, ready for release later this month. This podcast serves two key purposes: What to Expect […]
Read More… New Podcast Launch: Once a Warrior – Life Beyond the Uniform
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 […]