Claim 7f8c6103Checked 21 Jul 2026
TrueOn the truth scale
“The Government unreservedly apologises to the families for what happened.”
Reasoning & Evidence21 Jul 2026
Multiple news sources confirm that Prime Minister Keir Starmer made this apology on behalf of the Government during Prime Minister's Questions. BBC News, The Irish News, and The Newsletter all report the exact quote: "On behalf of the Government, I want to apologise unreservedly to the families for what happened and for the grief and trauma that they have endured since the tragic deaths of their loved ones." The Prime Minister also wrote individual letters of apology to each of the five families.
The families of those killed welcomed the apology, describing it as a "significant and long-overdue acknowledgement of the truth established by the Springhill inquest." The inquest, conducted by Mr Justice Scoffield in April 2026, found that the force used in all five shootings was "not reasonable" and not in compliance with the Army's "yellow card" rules of engagement. The coroner found that Father Fitzpatrick, Patrick Butler, and Margaret Gargan were "wholly innocent victims," David McCafferty was "regarded as an innocent victim," and while John Dougal's conduct remained "unclear and suspicious," he "should not have been shot, having been shot in the back while retreating."
The Government's acceptance of the findings and the unreserved apology are both confirmed by multiple independent sources. The claim accurately describes what the Government did.
Sources: BBC News – "Prime minister apologises to Springhill families over 1972 shootings" (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn0plqkgjdno); The Irish News – "Keir Starmer apologises to Springhill families over 1972 shootings" (https://www.irishnews.com/news/northern-ireland/keir-starmer-apologises-to-springhill-families-over-1972-shootings-PO2OBXJQANDS7CGCNSNYMGPSFA/); The Newsletter – "On behalf of the government, I want to apologise unreservedly..." (https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/politics/on-behalf-of-the-government-i-want-to-apologise-unreservedly-to-the-families-for-what-happened-prime-minister-sir-keir-starmer-apologises-to-families-of-five-people-killed-by-soldiers-at-springhill-in-1972-8656107); Judiciary NI – Springhill Inquest findings summary (https://www.judiciaryni.uk/files/judiciaryni/2026-04/Summary%20of%20findings%20-%20Springhill%20inquests.pdf)
From speech
May I also pay tribute to Lord Haselhurst? I know he will be deeply missed, particularly on the Benches opposite. The findings of the recent Springhill inquest into the tragic deaths, in July 1972, of Father Noel Fitzpatrick, Patrick Butler, Margaret Gargan, David McCafferty and John Dougal are sobering. While the circumstances in which the events occurred were undoubtedly challenging, it is the duty of the state to hold itself to the highest standard. The Government accept and deeply regret these findings, and recognise their gravity. On behalf of the Government, I apologise unreservedly to the families for what happened and for the grief and trauma they have endured since the tragic deaths of their loved ones. I also place on record our deepest condolences to the family of Lance Corporal James Freeman, who died in a tragic accident on Sunday. I am also aware of a Royal Navy helicopter crash this morning in Devon. This will be a deeply worrying time for the families, and more information will be set out as soon as possible. Henry Nowak’s family have shown extraordinary dignity after their son’s life was stolen in appalling circumstances. He was clearly a kind, thoughtful and much-loved young man. There are serious questions to answer, including how accusations of racism informed police thinking, and we are supporting the Independent Office for Police Conduct to get to the bottom of what happened. But no matter the pain we feel, there is no justification for more violence and disorder. The attacks directed towards police officers in Southampton last night were disgraceful and completely unacceptable. This is a time for serious work, not rage. Let me be clear: we will ensure that anyone found engaging in disorder meets the full force of the law, as we have done before. This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House, I shall have further such meetings later today.
Sources opened
| [1] | judiciaryni.uk |
| [2] | bbc.co.uk |
| [3] | judiciaryni.uk |
| [4] | judiciaryni.uk |
| [5] | irishnews.com |
| [6] | bbc.co.uk |
| [7] | irishnews.com |
| [8] | bbc.com |
| [9] | newsletter.co.uk |
| [10] | irishcentral.com |