Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy and Reconciliation 2026-03-25
2026-03-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 is being replaced with a new bill that aims to establish an independent legacy commission for investigations. The questioner seeks clarity on the steps taken by the government.
What steps he is taking to replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023?
The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill will establish a reformed, human rights compliant and independent legacy commission that will carry out investigations and provide family reports on behalf of families who have waited far too long for answers.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify timelines or details about the bill's implementation.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill was passed, removing protections from the previous act. The questioner is concerned about the lack of protections for veterans.
Second Reading of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill took place on 18 November, and the remedial order, which removed the protections from the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, was passed on 21 January. How is that not a dereliction of duty?
The dates for Committee stage and for the next stage of the remedial order will be announced in the normal way. The scheme was never enacted and has never had effect, so the Government's actions have not changed this position. The Government has brought forward protections for veterans that were not contained in the 2023 legacy Act. Further proposals will be brought forward when Committee stage happens.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify specific protections or timelines.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner is concerned that Northern Ireland veterans are living in fear of vexatious claims, and the government is delaying legislation.
That answer will be of very little comfort to Northern Ireland veterans across the country who are living in fear of vexatious claims. Why are the Government delaying bringing this legislation back to the House?
There is no such thing as a vexatious prosecution because independent prosecutors bring prosecutions for politically motivated reasons. The previous Government left 800 civil claims against the Ministry of Defence in place, and it is almost unknown for an individual veteran to be called to give evidence in such cases.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific issue of delaying legislation.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner is concerned about the levels of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland, citing recent murders.
One of the lingering legacies of violence in Northern Ireland is our outrageous and distressing levels of violence against women and girls. Is the Secretary of State confident that all possible levers are being used to tackle misogyny?
I join my hon. Friend in what she says about recent convictions and murders. Northern Ireland is the most dangerous part of the UK for women in terms of violence against them. In the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, we are closing a loophole allowing investigation of sexual-related offences during the troubles.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the confidence in tackling misogyny specifically.
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The questioner is concerned about the health and wellbeing of veterans if they are required to give evidence.
What reassurance can the Secretary of State give that the health and wellbeing of veterans will be taken into account?
We have made clear in the Bill's protections, including the right to give evidence remotely, application for anonymity, and no cold calling. Veterans welcome these protections that will be put in place.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Direct Answer
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Context
The questioner is concerned about the continuation of judicial reviews that continue for years after incidents, citing a specific case.
In 1991, the SAS shot and killed three members of the IRA's East Tyrone Brigade. A judicial review was brought against these findings but it was thrown out by the High Court in Belfast. Why is this case continuing?
Any citizen has a right to bring a judicial review against any decision made. The original judge threw out the case as having no merit, and given the inquest found the use of force lawful, it is not surprising that this was thrown out.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
A case has arisen where veterans face vexatious litigation, with legal aid funding the challenges against them. The courts themselves have stated that some cases are ludicrous.
Does this case not exemplify why the Government's solution is wrong? It reopens the door to vexatious litigation and pays for these challenges against our troops with taxpayers' money. Will they use this opportunity to think again and take a new approach that guarantees genuine protections?
There will be genuine protections, but legal aid in Northern Ireland is a matter for the Executive. The previous Government did not consider removing judicial review entirely. The argument that it should not apply in certain cases would face significant opposition.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifically avoided addressing the request to reconsider their approach and ensure genuine protections.
Legal Aid Is A Matter For The Northern Ireland Executive
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
Stakeholders, including victims and survivors of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, are seeking answers rather than retribution. They want a restorative justice pathway for reconciliation.
Does the Secretary of State agree that restorative justice has an important role to play in reconciliation? Will he meet me to discuss supporting my amendments for a restorative justice pathway?
I am always happy to meet him and the House will have an opportunity to consider his amendments. Most victims are looking for answers, and part of the focus is on helping families find closure. Each family must find their own way to reconciliation.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to meeting or supporting specific amendments.
It Is For Each Family To Find Its Own Way
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government promised to repeal and replace the legacy Act but have not done so. The Bill is delayed due to discord among government members, leaving victims seeking progress.
What does he say to Northern Ireland victims who want to see progress? They were promised repeal and replacement of the legacy Act and legislation supported by all communities.
The Government are keen to progress this complex piece of legislation. It is fixing a mess left by the 2023 Act and we must ensure it gets right.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific plans or timelines for progress on the Bill.
It Is A Very Complex Piece Of Legislation
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
The PSNI has significant civil liability cases but no resources to progress. The Secretary of State has put in a claim for additional hundreds of millions for the legacy commission.
Does he recognise there is a funding deficit within the PSNI? Will he similarly seek money for that?
The creation of the legacy commission transferred 1,000 cases from the PSNI to the commission. When these are investigated, disclosure will be required.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not acknowledge or address funding for PSNI civil liability cases.
The Legacy Commission Took Away 1,000 Cases From Psni
Response accuracy