The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill will continue through Parliament after MPs voted to carry it over into the next session, preventing it from lapsing when Parliament prorogues this week. The motion was backed by 279 votes to 176, a majority of 103.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said the legislation is essential to remedy the failure of the previous Conservative government's Legacy Act, which was ruled to breach human rights laws. He outlined protections for veterans, including no repeated investigations, no cold-calling, consideration of age and welfare, and the ability to give evidence remotely and anonymously.
Mr Benn said the Bill has the support of Joe McVey, the victims and survivors commissioner for Northern Ireland. It would repeal and replace the controversial Legacy Act, ending the immunity scheme that was ruled unlawful, and would establish a reformed Legacy Commission with enhanced powers under a joint framework with the Irish government.
Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Alex Burghart criticised the move, arguing it would 'reopen the door to vexatious litigation' and drag veterans through the courts. He said the process has become the punishment, with investigations and legal challenges offering minimal answers for victims.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson urged the government to scrap the Bill and reintroduce another that could command the confidence of victims and veterans. Northern Ireland MPs were split, with DUP's Jim Shannon and Traditional Unionist Voice's Jim Allister speaking against, accusing the government of being beholden to the Dublin government.
MPs have already backed a remedial order removing conditional immunity from prosecutions and scrapping the bar on future legacy compensation cases. The Bill will now be debated further after the King's Speech in May.
