Secretary of state rejects DUP 'hapless' claim over legacy
The secretary of state has dismissed claims by the DUP that he is keeping victims and some parties "in the dark" over his government's plans to change how Troubles legacy cases are handled.
Hilary Benn was responding to remarks by DUP leader Gavin Robinson, who described his approach as "hapless".
London and Dublin have been in talks for some time about trying to find a joint way forward, with the two governments meeting on Thursday during the British-Irish Council to discuss the latest developments.
Benn said he made "no apology" for working with the Irish government and others to try and reach a solution.
The DUP said by Benn meeting Tánaiste (Irish deputy PM) Simon Harris, he had "dishonoured" victims who were concerned about the Irish government's own approach to dealing with the legacy of the past.
Labour intends to retain a new legacy body set up under the legislation - the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).
A number of victims' groups have called for the ICRIR to be scrapped, arguing it is not sufficiently independent to investigate killings during Northern Ireland's decades-long conflict.
Dublin maintains a legal challenge against the UK government over the legacy act, but Harris has said he believes a deal can still be reached to allow his government to drop that case.
The DUP leader said: "Last night, Hilary Benn disgracefully continued his desire to satisfy the Irish Government, seeking their approval for his actions.
"In meeting Simon Harris to negotiate next steps, he dishonours the countless victims in Northern Ireland that I have met over recent months who lament that whilst he may listen, he does not hear."
He also accused Dublin of having a "scandalous approach" to legacy.
"The Irish continue to ruthlessly defend their sovereign information, yet Hilary Benn concedes their unconstitutional role in determining how the UK deals with ours," said Robinson.
"The Irish government have knowledge of and influence upon UK legacy plans, yet Northern Ireland victims, veterans and Parliamentarians are kept in the dark by the secretary of state without so much as a blush on his face."
Speaking at the British-Irish Council, Benn said legacy remained "unfinished business" and that all politicians had a responsibility to find a way forward.
"We are making good progress... the lesson indeed exemplified by the Good Friday Agreement is that we make most progress when we work together."
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- Hamilton Spectator
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2 hours ago
US military parade has global counterparts in democracies, monarchies and totalitarian regimes
The military parade to mark the Army's 250th anniversary and its convergence with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday are combining to create a peacetime outlier in U.S. history. Yet it still reflects global traditions that serve a range of political and cultural purposes. Variations on the theme have surfaced among longtime NATO allies in Europe, one-party and authoritarian states and history's darkest regimes. The oldest democratic ally of the U.S. holds a military parade each July 14 to commemorate one of the seminal moments of the French Revolution. It inspired — or at least stoked — Trump's idea for a Washington version. On July 14, 1789, French insurgents stormed the Bastille, which housed prisoners of Louis XVI's government. Revolutionaries commenced a Fête de la Fédération as a day of national unity and pride the following year, even with the First French Republic still more than two years from being established. The Bastille Day parade has rolled annually since 1880. Now, it proceeds down an iconic Parisian route, the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. It passes the Arc de Triomphe — a memorial with tributes to the French Revolution, Napoleonic Wars and World War I — and eventually in front of the French president, government ministers and invited foreign guests. Trump attended in 2017, early in his first presidency, as U.S. troops marched as guests. The spectacle left him openly envious. 'It was one of the greatest parades I've ever seen,' Trump told French President Emanuel Macron. 'It was military might, and I think a tremendous thing for France and for the spirit of France. We're going to have to try and top it.' In the United Kingdom, King Charles III serves as ceremonial (though not practical) head of U.K. armed forces. Unlike in France and the U.S., where elected presidents wear civilian dress even at military events, Charles dons elaborate dress uniforms — medals, sash, sword, sometimes even a bearskin hat and chin strap. 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Cuba's Fidel Castro, who wore military garb routinely, held parades to commemorate the revolution he led on Dec. 2, 1959. In 2017, then-President Raúl Castro refashioned the event into a Fidel tribute shortly after his brother's death. Venezuela's Hugo Chávez, known as 'Comandante Chávez,' presided over frequent parades until his 2013 death. His successor, Nicolás Maduro, has worn military dress at similar events. North Korean dictator Kim Jung Un, who famously bonded with Trump in a 2018 summit, used a 2023 military parade to show off his daughter and potential successor, along with pieces of his isolated country's nuclear arsenal. The event in Pyongyang's Kim Il Sung Square — named for Kim's grandfather — marked the North Korean Army's 75th birthday. Kim watched from a viewing stand as missiles other weaponry moved by and goose-stepping soldiers marched past him chanting, 'Defend with your life, Paektu Bloodline' — referring to the Kim family's biological ancestry. 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Laid a Foundation: Set the stage for the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. 2. The Civil War (1861–1865) The Civil War was a conflict that nearly tore the United States apart, testing the resilience of the nation and its values. It was a war fought over fundamental differences, including slavery and states' rights, and it ultimately resulted in a stronger federal government and the abolition of slavery. The war also highlighted the extraordinary leadership of figures like Abraham Lincoln, whose determination to preserve the Union changed the course of history. The end of the war marked the beginning of a long and difficult journey toward equality and justice for African Americans. Reconstruction, while fraught with challenges, laid the groundwork for future civil rights movements, ensuring that the war's sacrifices were not in vain. 3. The Emancipation Proclamation (January 1, 1863) Issued during the height of the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation signaled a transformative shift in the Union's goals. No longer just a fight to preserve the nation, the war became a moral crusade to end slavery. While the proclamation initially freed enslaved individuals only in Confederate states, it set the tone for nationwide abolition and gave enslaved African Americans hope for a better future. Abraham Lincoln's decision to issue the proclamation also had a profound impact on the Union's efforts, bolstering its moral authority and encouraging African Americans to join the fight. It remains a defining moment in the journey toward equality and justice in America. 4. The Women's Suffrage Movement (1848–1920) The fight for women's voting rights was a decades-long struggle marked by courage, resilience, and relentless advocacy. From the first Women's Rights Convention in Seneca Falls in 1848 to the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, suffragists worked tirelessly to break down barriers and expand democracy. Their success not only gave women the right to vote but also inspired future movements for gender equality. The Women's Suffrage Movement demonstrated the power of collective action and laid the foundation for advances in civil rights for all marginalized groups. Grassroots Activism: Showcased the power of organized efforts. Expanded Democracy: Brought women into the electoral process. Inspired Future Movements: Advanced ongoing gender equality efforts. 5. The Stock Market Crash and the Great Depression (1929–1939) The stock market crash of 1929 exposed deep vulnerabilities in the American economy, triggering a decade of hardship known as the Great Depression. Unemployment soared, banks failed, and millions of Americans were plunged into poverty. The crisis forced the government to reconsider its role in stabilizing the economy. Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs brought relief, recovery, and reform, establishing protections like Social Security and unemployment insurance. These measures reshaped the relationship between the government and its citizens, influencing economic policies for decades to come. 6. World War II and Pearl Harbor (1941–1945) The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 brought the United States into World War II, a conflict that reshaped the global order. The war effort unified the nation, spurred technological innovation, and established America as a global superpower. From the beaches of Normandy to the islands of the Pacific, the U.S. played a decisive role in defeating Axis powers. The war also advanced scientific discoveries, such as the Manhattan Project, which would influence global geopolitics for decades. Defeated Fascism: Played a major role in ending fascist regimes in Europe and Japan. Technological Advances: Accelerated innovation in industries like aerospace. Created Global Institutions: Led to the formation of the United Nations. 7. The Civil Rights Movement (1954–1968) The Civil Rights Movement was a transformative period that challenged systemic racism and segregation in the United States. Through peaceful protests, legal battles, and powerful speeches, leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and organizations like the NAACP pushed for equal rights under the law. The movement's achievements, including the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, dismantled institutional barriers and inspired global struggles for human rights. It also underscored the importance of perseverance in the face of injustice. 8. The Moon Landing (July 20, 1969) The moon landing of 1969 was a milestone in human history, symbolizing achievement and innovation. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon, fulfilling President John F. Kennedy's bold vision. The Apollo 11 mission demonstrated the United States' technological and scientific leadership during the Cold War. It also inspired a sense of wonder and possibility, encouraging exploration and advancements in fields like computing and engineering. 9. 9/11 Terrorist Attacks (September 11, 2001) The 9/11 attacks were a tragic and pivotal moment in American history that reshaped global security and U.S. foreign policy. The attacks led to the War on Terror, increased domestic surveillance, and significant military engagements in the Middle East. Beyond its geopolitical impacts, 9/11 united Americans in grief and resilience. The heroism of first responders and the unity shown by citizens highlighted the strength of the nation in times of crisis. Military Strategy: Spurred U.S. engagements in the Middle East. Security Measures: Increased surveillance and counterterrorism efforts. Global Impact: The 9/11 attacks had profound global ramifications, reshaping international security and diplomacy. In response to the unprecedented act of terrorism, nations around the world united to combat the shared threat posed by extremist groups. The attacks led to the creation of coalitions like the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan and increased collaboration on intelligence sharing and counterterrorism operations. Many countries implemented stricter security measures, including enhanced airport screenings and expanded surveillance laws, fundamentally changing how the world approached border control and public safety. However, the aftermath of 9/11 also created geopolitical tensions, particularly surrounding the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. While initially uniting nations in solidarity, the long-term consequences of the War on Terror sparked debates over foreign policy, civil liberties, and human rights. Economically, the attacks disrupted global markets and impacted industries such as aviation and tourism, while the costs of military operations and heightened security strained budgets worldwide. The legacy of 9/11 continues to influence international relations, security policies, and global efforts to address radicalization and extremism. 10. The Election of Barack Obama (November 4, 2008) Barack Obama's election as the first African American president was a landmark moment in U.S. history, symbolizing progress in the fight for racial equality. His presidency addressed critical issues like healthcare reform, economic recovery, and climate change. Obama's rise to the presidency energized diverse voters, particularly young people and minority groups. His leadership reflected America's evolving identity and commitment to inclusivity. Empowered Diverse Voters: Energized youth and minority turnout. Landmark Policies: Introduced the Affordable Care Act and addressed climate change. Symbolized Progress: Reflected America's commitment to inclusion. Conclusion on Top 10 Historical Events These ten moments demonstrate how pivotal decisions and decisive leadership have shaped the United States and its role on the global stage. By examining these events, we gain a deeper understanding of the nation's journey and insights into shaping the future. Related Articles: About the Authors: Richard D. Harroch is a Senior Advisor to CEOs, management teams, and Boards of Directors. He is an expert on M&A, venture capital, startups, and business contracts. He was the Managing Director and Global Head of M&A at VantagePoint Capital Partners, a venture capital fund in the San Francisco area. His focus is on internet, digital media, AI and technology companies. He was the founder of several Internet companies. His articles have appeared online in Forbes, Fortune, MSN, Yahoo, Fox Business and Richard is the author of several books on startups and entrepreneurship as well as the co-author of Poker for Dummies and a Wall Street Journal-bestselling book on small business. He is the co-author of a 1,500-page book published by Bloomberg on mergers and acquisitions of privately held companies. He was also a corporate and M&A partner at the international law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. He has been involved in over 200 M&A transactions and 250 startup financings. He can be reached through LinkedIn. Dominique Harroch is the Chief of Staff at She has acted as a Chief of Staff or Operations Leader for multiple companies where she leveraged her extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership to drive organizational success. With a background that spans over two decades in operations leadership, event planning at her own start-up and marketing at various financial and retail companies, Dominique is known for her ability to optimize processes, manage complex projects and lead high-performing teams. She holds a BA in English and Psychology from U.C. Berkeley and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. She can be reached via LinkedIn.
