Northern Ireland’s Veterans Commissioner Danny Kinahan has resigned, saying he “cannot provide the independent voice that veterans require”.

Mr Kinahan, a former Ulster Unionist MP and a British military veteran himself, said he had left the post after four years after an “open and frank conversation” with Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn.

He also said that veterans in Northern Ireland do not enjoy the same protection as those in the rest of the UK.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said the resignation “raises serious questions for the Government”.

In a statement, Mr Kinahan said: “I can confirm that I have today resigned from my position as Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner.

“Following an open and frank conversation with the Secretary of State, I have sadly concluded that I cannot provide the independent voice that veterans require.

“There is a feeling among some veterans in Northern Ireland that they do not enjoy the same protection as their counterparts in Great Britain.

“Veterans in Northern Ireland have particular needs and concerns which need to be addressed by the UK government, which I have made very clear in our discussions.

“Finally I would like to place on record my gratitude to all those who have placed their trust in me and assisted me with my work over the last four years.

“I will continue to work in their interests where I can.”

Mr Benn thanked Mr Kinahan for his “dedicated work on behalf of veterans and families living in Northern Ireland”.

He added: “Over the last four years, he has worked on a range of important issues that affect veterans in everyday life, including health, housing and welfare and we will continue to engage with him on these issues.

“We are committed to continuing to support veterans in Northern Ireland through the Veterans Welfare Service NI and the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.”

The Northern Ireland Office said the steps to appoint a new Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner would be set out in due course.

Mr Robinson said: “The creation of the NI Veterans Commissioner post flowed from the New Decade New Approach Agreement as we were aware of how veterans in Northern Ireland were disadvantaged when compared with veterans in the rest of the UK.

“Danny Kinahan’s appointment in 2020 was a real breakthrough and signal that the Government was going to change course.

“Danny has served in office and our strong community of veterans, with genuine tenacity and integrity.”

He added: “I am deeply disappointed that such has been the breakdown between the government and the NIVC (NI Veterans Commissioner) that today we have a resignation and a vacant office.

“The NIO must urgently address the widespread concern of veterans who valued Danny’s personal commitment and move quickly to assuage their concerns.

“We need to see a successor not only appointed swiftly, but that they have the independence and support to do the job effectively.”

Mr Kinahan is a former UUP MLA and won the South Antrim Westminster seat for the unionist party in 2015. He lost the seat to the DUP in the 2017 general election.

He was appointed Northern Ireland’s first Veterans Commissioner in September 2020.

Last year he gave a “guarded welcome” to the Conservatives’ controversial Act to deal with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles because of the “lopsided” number of prosecutions against former members of the armed forces.

Since Labour came to power it has committed to repealing and replacing the laws. – PA