- The House of Commons has approved the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill at its third reading by 330 votes to 178, sending the draft legislation to the House of Lords to replace the previous administration's Legacy Act with a restructured Legacy Commission.
- Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant emphasised that the legislation aims to deliver truth and justice for conflict victims, survivors, and armed forces veterans while confirming both the UK and Ireland intend to enact matching legislation in lockstep.
- Key government amendments debated include granting the UK Attorney General authority over serious Troubles-related prosecutions and ensuring that historical on-the-run letters provide no legal immunity from prosecution.
- MPs rejected a Democratic Unionist Party amendment to extend the commission's scope beyond the 10 April 1998 Good Friday Agreement cutoff date to include the Omagh bombing, which remains subject to a separate inquiry.
- Ministers pledged to address outstanding concerns as the Bill moves to the House of Lords, including refining statutory protections for military veterans and ensuring victims of conflict-related sexual violence can request investigations.
IN FULL
Draft law dealing with legacy of Northern Ireland Troubles passed by House of Commons
