Overview
- Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn is asking the Commons to back a Remedial Order scrapping the Legacy Act’s immunity clause and reinstating the right to bring Troubles-related civil claims, with the measure also requiring Lords approval.
- The government is advancing a replacement Troubles Bill that sets out six safeguards for former service personnel, including limits on repeated investigations, options for anonymity and remote testimony, and consideration of age and health.
- A reformed Legacy Commission is planned to receive information from Irish authorities for the first time, which ministers say could help resolve unsolved killings on UK soil.
- Veterans and retired senior officers warn the shift could expose former soldiers to prolonged legal jeopardy and “lawfare,” urging stronger protections or withdrawal of the plan.
- Officials note the previous Act’s immunity scheme never began and was found incompatible with human rights law, and they dispute reports of 800 reactivated suits by saying almost 800 cases were already live while the Act attempted to bar new claims.