The House of Commons will debate the removal of controversial immunity provisions from the previous government's Legacy Act on Wednesday. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn seeks parliamentary support for a Remedial Order that would strip out immunity for Troubles-era perpetrators and restore citizens' rights to pursue civil claims – after courts ruled the original immunity scheme unlawful.
The original Legacy Act contained an immunity provision that would have granted perpetrators of Troubles-related crimes immunity from prosecution if they cooperated with a truth recovery body. The immunity scheme was ruled unlawful in the courts and never commenced.
Rebuilding Trust
Benn emphasized the legal and moral necessity of the changes. «Today, I am asking the House to endorse a Remedial Order to remove indefensible and legally defective provisions contained in the previous government's Legacy Act,» he said. «This Remedial Order is essential to rebuild the trust of communities across Northern Ireland who are opposed to the idea that the terrorists who murdered their loved ones could be granted immunity from prosecution if they came forward to the commission.»
The Northern Ireland Secretary added: «It also restores the historic right of citizens of this country to seek redress through the courts.»
Labour has introduced its Troubles Bill to replace the Legacy Act and definitively end the immunity scheme.
Veterans' Concerns
Armed forces and veterans communities have raised concerns that the Troubles Bill could expose those who served in Northern Ireland to vexatious litigation. The government has responded by pledging new protections for veterans.
These protections include safeguards against repeated investigations, the right to give evidence remotely, protections for health in old age, the right to seek anonymity, and protection from cold calling.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
