Troubles Legacy Legislation 2026-07-08
2026-07-08
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 has been replaced by a new bill.
What steps are being taken to replace the Northern Ireland Troubles Act 2023 with a reformed Legacy Commission? Is there a delay in bringing amendments due to personal statements made?
The Government are committed to the Troubles Bill, which includes a reformed Legacy Commission for investigations and information sharing with safeguards for veterans. The delay is not due to personal statements but rather to ensure the bill commands support across all communities in Northern Ireland.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific timing of amendments presentation was not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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There are concerns about the delays in addressing legacy issues and victims' rights.
Will the Secretary of State bring forward the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill quickly to address decades-long waiting for resolution, focusing on victim's needs?
The Government are committed to reforming and replacing the 2023 Act with fair and reasonable protections for veterans, aiming to command support from all communities in Northern Ireland. The amendments will address the concerns of victims and survivors' organizations.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific timeline or commitment beyond general intentions.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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The former Armed Forces Minister resigned citing the bill as unfit for purpose.
Why did the former Armed Forces Minister resign over concerns that the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill fails to protect veterans? Is cross-party support lacking in Northern Ireland and within Labour?
The resignation was due to differences over the amendments made. The 2023 Act lacked support from Northern Ireland political parties, victims' organizations, and Labour, necessitating reforms in the new Bill.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why specific individuals resigned or their concerns directly.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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There is lack of cross-party support for the bill.
Given the former Armed Forces Minister's resignation, does the Secretary of State now accept that the Bill should not progress and revert to previous legislation?
The 2023 Act's immunity provisions were opposed by all Northern Ireland political parties, victims' organizations, and Labour. The Government will proceed with reforms as these have broad-based opposition.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm whether the bill should be abandoned or revert to previous legislation.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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The right hon. Member for Makerfield warned of the lack of proper scrutiny in national security decisions.
Will the Secretary of State support a Lib Dem amendment to ensure parliamentary scrutiny on decisions to block disclosure based on national security grounds?
The Government are committed to maximum possible disclosure consistent with the requirement that falls on Ministers, but debate on amendments including Lib Dem proposals will occur during the Committee stage of the Bill.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to supporting the specific amendment requested.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee raised concerns about Sir Declan Morgan's lack of access to unredacted intelligence materials from the Irish Government. The committee's chief operating officer also highlighted that no changes would be made in response to these requests.
Given the legacy of our past, two Governments are involved. Was he concerned that Sir Declan Morgan shared his concern with the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee about not having access to unredacted intelligence material from the Irish Government? There is nothing in the draft legislation or amendments that would change this situation. Is the Secretary State further concerned?
The right hon. Gentleman is referring to the position today in light of the Dillon judgment, and I agree with him that we need cooperation from the Irish Government in response to requests made by the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to securing agreement from the Irish Government for Sir Declan Morgan's requirement
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The deadline for a remedial order to be put before the Lords by the end of June has passed, along with another deadline related to the Irish Government's European presidency. No summit is planned on 22 July.
I want to hear from our Secretary of State full recognition that there is a deficit and Sir Declan needs access to unredacted material. Will the Secretary of State secure agreement from the Irish Government for this change? Also, no remedial order was put before the Lords by the end of June; with no progress before Ireland assumes the European presidency and no summit on 22 July, there is no chance that the Troubles Bill will become law in 2026.
The right hon. Gentleman makes a powerful argument that passing the troubles Bill will enable information sharing with Irish authorities, which is what both he and I want to see.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address Sir Declan Morgan's need for unredacted material or progress on remedial orders
Changed The Subject
Response accuracy