MPs vote to remove Troubles-era immunity clause from legacy act

MPs at Westminster have voted to remove a clause granting conditional immunity from prosecution for Troubles-era crimes. The measure was part of the previous Conservative government's legacy act.

By Andrew McBride1 min read

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MPs voted to remove a clause that would have granted conditional immunity from prosecution for Troubles-era crimes. The clause had been challenged as unlawful and opposed by victims' groups and Northern Ireland parties.

The Labour government is repealing the previous legacy act and introducing new legislation. The new bill includes a legacy commission with independent oversight, established from the ICRIR.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn stated the previous legislation had failed to build trust across communities. He confirmed the government does not support immunity as a matter of principle.