Workers Party back Veterans Campaign

PARTY STATEMENT ISSUED 01 SEPTEMBER 2026

Shoulder to Shoulder Veteran Campaign SHOULDER TO SHOULDER | Support Veterans Now — Take Action

This campaign raises understandable fears that Labours NI Troubles Bill will open up to new investigation historic cases now closed.

The British State and its elite will not take responsibility for crimes committed in Ireland. Instead it hopes individual soldiers can be investigated, and reinvestigated. 

We believe truth and reconciliation is the alternative. Candour and transparency about crimes committed by all sides. Crucially individual soldiers cannot carry the can for crimes orchestrated much higher up the tree.

Responsibility for the deployment of the British Army in the Bogside in 1969, Internment without Trial 1971, Bloody Sunday 1972, Direct Rule, Hunger Strikes, and the period of "Counter Insurgency" operations lies with senior leaders, with the political and military elite.

The Workers Party is opposed to the deployment of Britain's military in imperialist conflicts abroad. Our party is opposed to blaming Tommy for the crimes of General Sir Frank Kitson, who was himself a servant of a faceless and distant British elite who will never have to answer for their crimes. 

The only benefits to this Bill will be felt in the bank accounts of solicitors, already over-represented in our political class.

For these reasons the Workers Party is asking its members and supporters to give their support to the Shoulder to Shoulder campaign.

But it is also for these same reasons that we ask all right-minded military families to question their loyalty to a State which treats them with such disregard.

Likewise, British citizens must oppose all attempts at conscription to the armed forces of a State that does not have their interests at heart.

ENDS

ISSUED BY: POLITICAL COMMITTEE
WORKERS PARTY