British Army veterans could face prosecution for their conduct during the Troubles in Northern Ireland after MPs voted in favour of removing protections. MPs voted 373 to 106, majority 267, to repeal parts of the Legacy Act in the Commons tonight.
As it currently stands, the legislation offers immunity from prosecution to anyone accused of crimes during the Troubles in Northern Ireland if they provide information to a truth recovery body. However, the High Court in Belfast ruled parts of the act were incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights in 2024.
The then-Tory government was in the process of appealing that decision, but this was dropped by Labour after the election.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said the 2023 Legacy Act “fundamentally failed” because it was incompatible with the UK’s human rights obligations.
Following his comments, MPs voted on a Government remedial order to update the legislation.
The remedial order will now go to the House of Lords where it must be approved by peers before the law is changed.
Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Alex Burghart said: “By repealing the Conservatives’ Legacy Act, the Government is reopening the door to vexatious litigation against our brave veterans who served with honour in Northern Ireland.
“Labour do not have the backbone to protect our Armed Forces community. We will immediately reverse these unnecessary decisions.
“Only the Conservatives will stand up unequivocally for our veterans, our Armed Forces and the integrity of every part of the United Kingdom.”
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