Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act: Repeal

The transcript is from an Oral Question session in the House of Commons, where Conservative MPs Bob Blackman and Richard Holden asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, about the steps being taken to repeal and replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023. In his response, Hilary Benn stated that the Government is committed to repealing and replacing the legacy Act, as outlined in the King's Speech. He explained that the plan is to scrap conditional immunity and allow troubles-era inquests and civil claims to resume. Benn also mentioned that the Government will consult with all interested parties to find a way forward that can obtain the support of victims and survivors, while complying with human rights obligations. Bob Blackman followed up, congratulating Benn on his appointment and emphasizing the need to create consensus across Northern Ireland for the proposed changes. Blackman asked Benn to provide a timeline and plan for achieving this, and to commit to updating the House on the progress. Benn assured Blackman that he would keep the House informed and report on his plans, including the decision to retain the independent commission envisaged in the Stormont House agreement. Benn also mentioned his recent meeting with Sir Declan Morgan to discuss how the commission's work can be taken forward. Richard Holden then asked Benn to assure veterans in his constituency and across the country that any future legislation will protect now-elderly veterans from vexatious legal action. Benn acknowledged the important role played by veterans, the police, and the security services during the Troubles, and committed to consulting with veterans' organizations as part of the consultation process. Carla Lockhart, a DUP MP, welcomed Benn to his position and sought further details on the discussions he is having with groups and organizations representing innocent victims. Lockhart also asked Benn to assure the House that there will be no "pandering to those who were the victim makers" in the process of repealing the legislation. Additionally, Lockhart inquired about Benn's engagement with the Irish Government, particularly regarding the long-awaited public inquiry into the Omagh bombing. Benn responded by stating that he had discussed the matter with Micheál Martin, the Taoiseach of Ireland, who expressed the hope that a way forward can be found that might lead to the withdrawal of the interstate case that Ireland has brought. Benn also committed to engaging with victims' organizations, as he had done during his time as shadow Secretary of State, in an effort to find a way forward that works for the victims' families.