Press Statement from the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner 23 October 2025 The conclusion of the trial today, with the acquittal of Soldier F, has once again brought into sharp focus the deep pain and division that events from over 50 years ago continue to cause. At the outset of this trial, I made clear that we should bemindful of the families who […]
3 October 2025 On Thursday 25th September 2025, the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office had the privilege of hosting a special reception at Belfast City Hall for veterans of Operation TELIC and Operation HERRICK. This annual event, this year supported by Belfast City Council Veterans’ Champion Councillor James Lawlor and the Lord Mayor of Belfast, […]
Read More… Bringing Veterans Together: ‘From Basra to Helmand’ Reception at Belfast City Hall
15 September 2025 With respect to the commencement of this trial today, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this stage. As I arrive today for the start of this court case, I am mindful that there are families who lost loved ones on 30th January 1972. Just like the families of the […]
12 September 2025 Across Northern Ireland, veteran hubs are creating welcoming spaces where veterans and their families can connect, find support, and enjoy a real sense of community. These hubs are part of the Thrive Together programme, a UK-wide initiative funded by the Armed Forces Covenant. Born out of the former Veterans’ People, Pathways and […]
Read More… Veteran Hubs Across Northern Ireland: Building Connections, Community & Support
15 August 2025 Joint Statement by the Veterans Commissioners for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. On this 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, we honour the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of all who served in the Far East during the Second World War. Though the last veterans of this campaign are gradually leaving […]
Read More… 80th Anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day – 15 August 2025
In Support of the Motion for Debate in Westminster on 14 July 2025: “We think that the Government should not make any changes to legislation that would allow Northern Ireland Veterans to be prosecuted for doing their duty in combating terrorism as part of ‘Operation Banner’ (1969–2007).” As Veterans Commissioners for Northern Ireland, Scotland, and […]
Read More… Joint Statement from the Veterans Commissioners of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales
On Saturday, 21st June 2025, Newtownards Airfield played host to this year’s Armed Forces Day, proudly hosted by Ards and North Down Borough Council. With an estimated crowd of over 40,000 attendees, the event was a vibrant celebration of the UK’s Armed Forces and their role in our communities. An Unforgettable Day Dry, breezy weather […]
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 […]