Al Carns Resigns Over NI Bill

Al Carns, the armed forces minister for the United Kingdom, resigned from his position, citing the government's proposed Northern Ireland Troubles Bill as 'unfit for purpose' and a failure to protect veterans. His resignation followed that of John Healey, the defence secretary, over defence funding disputes. Carns expressed concerns about aging veterans being prosecuted for historical operations during the Troubles and criticized the new bill for potentially creating a 'hierarchy of truth' and playing into the hands of Republic of Ireland — Sinn Féin. Downing Street defended the new legislation, stating it is necessary to address the 'legal wild west' left by the previous government's Legacy Act and to provide answers to families affected by the conflict.