- 21/01/2026
- Posted by: Valerie Vaz MP
- Category: News
The Bill seeks to strengthen justice and restore trust by removing unlawful immunity for Troubles‑related crimes, reaffirming victims’ rights to redress and ensuring accountability.
On Wednesday 21 January 2025 the House of Commons debated the draft Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial) Order 2025 and asked for it to be approved.
The previous approach to dealing with the legacy of the Troubles ultimately fell short. Following the Dillon judgment, the UK Government is legally required to act, and this remedial order marks the first step. It removes two provisions of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 found incompatible with our human rights obligations, ensuring that our legacy framework is placed on a lawful and credible footing.
The remedial order removes provisions on immunity under that Act. This immunity has damaged trust in Northern Ireland. Removing it provides clarity and certainty ahead of the wider, significant reforms contained in the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill. The remedial order will also remove the bar on Troubles‑related civil cases, which stopped UK citizens from exercising their right to seek redress.
Northern Ireland continues to live with the legacy of the Troubles. While the 1998 Good Friday Agreement marked a significant point in moving away from conflict, many families still have questions about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of their loved ones. This order forms part of ongoing efforts to address those issues within a lawful and rights‑compliant framework.
The order was passed Ayes: 373 Noes: 106.