Donaldson urges steps for greater protection towards armed forces veterans

THE DUP has demanded amendments to a “cornerstone of the Belfast Agreement” in a bid to give extra protections to veterans.

Party leader Arlene Foster watched on from the visitors’ gallery in the House of Commons as chief whip Sir Jeffrey Donaldson warned the Government benches that greater protections for ex-service personnel in Northern Ireland formed “part of the confidence and supply deal”.

In an opposition day debate, Sir Jeffrey, backed by his nine other colleagues, called for section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 — which states that public bodies should carry out functions promoting equality of opportunity — to be amended to include provision for the armed forces.

Sir Jeffrey also called for the appointment of an “armed forces champion” in Northern Ireland.

Defence Minister Mark Lancaster resisted the calls, saying: “Some may suggest that it’s time to introduce further statuary instruments to increase uptake, but whilst I’m ready to listen to the arguments on a case by case basis I would make the point that the problem isn’t about a lack of mechanisms.

“Let’s not forget, as has been mentioned, beside the instruments already in place there is section 75. I listened very carefully to what he had to say, but it is a cornerstone of the Belfast Agreement.”

The DUP’s non-binding motion, which asked the Commons to reaffirm its commitment to ensure the covenant is “fully implemented” here, was approved unopposed.