Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann has claimed that the resignation speech by former Armed Forces Minister Al Carns has confirmed long-standing allegations that a strained relationship between the Ministry of Defence and the Northern Ireland Office delayed the Troubles Bill.

Mr Swann said the speech vindicated repeated assertions that interdepartmental friction was responsible for stalling the legislation. He stated that Mr Carns' remarks placed the difficult working dynamic on the public record.

The North Antrim MP also questioned whether the new Defence ministerial team would maintain a firm stance against what he described as the persecution of veterans and would continue to support victims.

Mr Carns resigned his ministerial post earlier this week and delivered a departure speech in which he addressed the rift, according to Mr Swann's account.