Gen Sir Peter Wall and Gen Sir Nick Parker, two retired British Army commanders, criticised the legacy legislation agreed last November between the UK and Irish governments. Wall served as chief of the general staff from 2010 to 2014. Parker was commander-in-chief from 2010 to 2012 and general officer commanding Northern Ireland from 2006 to 2007.

The generals stated that British ministers who served during the Troubles and gave orders to soldiers and police face no investigations, unlike veterans. They said ministers will not account for their decisions, leaving those who served on the ground to do so alone.

Wall and Parker said soldiers and police in Northern Ireland acted in good faith under lawful instructions during the Troubles. They noted an expectation that the state would support those who risked their lives.

The officers called the current setup unjust as it breaks trust vital to military service. They warned of effects on future UK deployments.

The agreement replaces prior UK legislation that stopped Troubles inquests and civil cases. Wall and Parker said it shifts UK responsibility by involving Ireland, creates unmeetable expectations due to time passed, and reopens inquests for veterans.

They described veteran protections - including remote hearings without Northern Ireland travel, anonymity requests, and limits on surprise contacts - as lacking value. The generals told UK ministers these apply routinely to others.

Wall and Parker urged realistic commitments to families and victims to close past matters.