Members of Parliament (MPs) in the United Kingdom have voted to amend legislation that could lead to the prosecution of British Army veterans for actions taken during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The vote, which passed with a majority of 267, was in support of a Government remedial order aimed at updating the existing Legacy Act. The current legislation offers certain protections from prosecution for individuals who provide information to a truth recovery body regarding crimes committed during the conflict.
This decision follows a ruling by the High Court in Belfast, which found parts of the Legacy Act incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights in 2024. Despite being approved in 2023, the Legacy Act had not been enacted due to these legal challenges. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn stated that the Act “fundamentally failed” to meet the UK’s human rights obligations.
The recent vote took place on Wednesday, with MPs supporting the remedial order by a count of 373 to 106. The measure will also remove the bar on new civil claims related to cases from the Troubles, allowing victims and their families to seek justice. Benn emphasized the need for these changes, stating that they are essential for building trust among victims, survivors, and veterans within the independent commission.
Benn highlighted the failure of the previous legislation, arguing that it provided immunity to those who committed serious offenses, including terrorists responsible for the deaths of both soldiers and civilians. He asserted, “It was a false promise, and it protected no one.” The remedial order will now advance to the House of Lords for approval before becoming law.
Critics of the order expressed concerns about its implications. Alex Burghart, the shadow Northern Ireland secretary, described it as a “continuation of the Troubles by other means.” He echoed sentiments shared by Gavin Robinson, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), who accused the government of rushing through the legislation without adequate consideration of its consequences.
Meanwhile, Claire Hanna, a member of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), noted that the conflict had resulted in losses for all communities involved, asserting, “No one won in the Troubles.” She criticized the previous legislation for failing to promote reconciliation and truth, claiming it aimed to retrospectively legalize the crimes of paramilitary groups.
The debate continued with various MPs voicing their perspectives on the legacy of the Troubles. Conservative MP Sir Julian Lewis argued for a blanket immunity approach, suggesting that if veterans receive protection, then terrorists should be afforded the same consideration. In contrast, Sorcha Eastwood, an Alliance MP, rejected this notion, stating that the people of Northern Ireland are not willing to accept such a compromise on the rule of law.
As the legislation moves forward, the government is under pressure to ensure that it addresses the concerns of victims while navigating the complex legacy of the Troubles, which claimed the lives of over 3,500 individuals during its three-decade duration. The conflict, which began in January 1969, resulted in extensive loss and suffering across Northern Ireland and beyond. The outcome of the House of Lords’ deliberations will be critical in determining the future of justice for those affected by the Troubles.
