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Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023

Asked by Mr Mark FrancoisConservativeNorthern Ireland OfficeTabled Answered 29 April 2025UIN 47617

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he plans to review the decision not to continue the appeal against the Northern Ireland High Court’s declaration of incompatibility regarding sections 46 and 47 of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023.

Answered by Hilary Benn

The High Court found sections 46 and 47 of the Legacy Act to be incompatible with the UK’s international human rights commitments. This Government takes such matters extremely seriously, and the provisions therefore need to be repealed. The Government is carefully exploring how to lawfully address this complex issue alongside our clear commitment to implement legacy mechanisms that are fully compliant with human rights.

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