Watch as Reform MP ERUPTS at Labour for siding with TERRORISTS over British soldiers
Sarah Poachin, a Reform MP, strongly criticised the Labour government during a heated debate in Parliament, accusing it of failing to stand up for British soldiers who served during the Northern Ireland Troubles. She opened her speech by thanking veterans for their service and sacrifice, saying their bravery should never be forgotten or questioned.
She spoke about her childhood during the height of the Troubles, growing up in a deeply patriotic household with a father who served in the British Army.
She described watching major IRA attacks unfold on television and explained how those events left a lasting impact on her family, particularly her father. She said that while many people only witnessed these moments through news reports, soldiers on the ground lived through fear, violence, and constant danger.
Poachin said her father has since passed away but that she felt compelled to speak in his memory and on behalf of veterans who are watching the proceedings today. She argued that it is deeply unjust for former soldiers, now in their retirement years, to face prosecution for actions taken while carrying out orders during a conflict. She said these men and women served their Queen, their country, and their regiments without hesitation, often risking their lives to protect others.
She sharply criticised Labour’s Northern Ireland Troubles legislation, saying it unfairly targets veterans while former IRA members benefited from comfort letters and immunity from prosecution. She said this imbalance has caused anger and distress among veterans and their families, who feel they are being punished while those responsible for terrorist acts are protected.
Poachin warned that such prosecutions could have serious long-term consequences, including discouraging young people from joining the armed forces at a time when recruitment is already a challenge. She stressed that although the UK has experienced years of relative peace, the government must remain prepared to defend the country and its citizens. She concluded by saying that supporting veterans is not only a matter of justice, but also essential for maintaining a strong and credible armed forces in the future.
