Claim 9933ee06Checked 21 Jul 2026
TrueOn the truth scale
“The Government deeply regrets the findings.”
—Keir StarmerLabourThe Prime Minister·Engagements·03 Jun 2026Factual · historical current chronological
Reasoning & Evidence21 Jul 2026
The claim "The Government deeply regrets the findings" refers to the UK Government's official response to the Springhill inquest findings, delivered by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Parliament. Multiple independent news sources confirm that Starmer stated: "The government accepts and deeply regrets these findings and recognises their gravity." This is corroborated by BBC News, The Irish News, and The Newsletter, all reporting on the same statement made during Prime Minister's Questions.
The findings themselves are well-documented: the coroner, Mr Justice Scoffield, delivered his findings on 30 April 2026, concluding that the force used in all five shootings was "not reasonable" and that soldiers acted in breach of the "yellow card" rules of engagement. The Judiciary NI website hosts the full summary of findings.
The Government's expression of regret is a matter of public record — it was stated in Parliament, reported by multiple outlets, and followed up with personal letters to each of the five families. The claim accurately reflects the Government's stated position.
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 — "Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer apologises to families of five people killed by soldiers at Springhill in 1972" (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 — "Summary of findings — Springhill inquests" (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] | bbc.co.uk |
| [2] | judiciaryni.uk |
| [3] | irishnews.com |
| [4] | bbc.com |
| [5] | newsletter.co.uk |
| [6] | judiciaryni.uk |
| [7] | judiciaryni.uk |
| [8] | irishnews.com |
| [9] | rte.ie |