The UK government’s Northern Ireland Troubles (legacy and reconciliation) bill – which has faced near universal opposition in Northern Ireland – has passed the House of Commons. The Commons rejected the latest Lords’ amendments, paving the way for the controversial bill to receive royal assent and become law in the coming weeks.
More than 1,000 killings relating to the 30-year armed conflict in Northern Ireland, known as the Troubles, are still being investigated. This bill will close down all methods of investigating Troubles-related offences, including criminal investigations, coroners’ inquests, police ombudsman investigations and civil remedies.
In their place, an independent commission will review (rather than fully investigate) Troubles-related deaths and very serious injuries and provide reports to families.
