The UK government has signaled its intention to repeal the contentious Legacy Act, a move welcomed by Ireland’s Tánaiste Micheál Martin as a significant step towards addressing historical injustices from the Troubles.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn told the House of Commons that the previous government’s legislation was fundamentally flawed, having been found to breach human rights obligations. The Act, which attempted to provide a conditional amnesty for Troubles-related crimes, had been widely criticized by victims’ groups, political parties, and the Irish government.
The original legislation effectively banned court actions and inquests related to incidents during the Troubles, preventing families from seeking justice for decades-old incidents. Benn acknowledged the pain of families who have waited years to understand what happened to their loved ones, describing some of the stories he heard as deeply difficult.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously pledged to repeal the Act during the July general election campaign. Now in government, Labour is moving to fulfill that promise, with Benn explicitly stating that the government is committed to repealing and replacing the legislation.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin welcomed the developments, emphasizing two key tests for any reforms: compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights and the ability to build confidence among victims and survivors.
According to The Journal, the announcement comes ahead of the British Irish Council Summit in Edinburgh, where further discussions on the Act’s reforms are expected to take place.
This move represents a significant shift in approach to addressing the complex legacy of the Troubles, offering hope to families who have long sought answers and justice.