Northern Ireland political leaders hold ‘robust’ talks with Lewis over 'de facto' Troubles amnesty

Brandon Lewis said on Wednesday that he intends to introduce legislation to create a proposed statute of limitations which would end all prosecutions for incidents up to April 1998 and would apply to military veterans as well as ex-paramilitaries.

Jeffrey Donaldson said any legacy proposals for Northern Ireland needed to be ‘victim focused’.  Picture: Liam McBurney/PA

Northern Ireland’s political leaders have held “robust conversations” with UK Secretary of State Brandon Lewis over controversial British  Government plans to ban prosecutions over Troubles-related offences.

The parties outlined their opposition to the proposals in a virtual meeting with Mr Lewis, which also included Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney.