British government ‘committed’ to Troubles Legacy Act despite judge’s ruling

The judge also said there was no evidence the immunity provision will in any way contribute to reconciliation in Northern Ireland

Grainne Teggart, Amnesty International UK’s Northern Ireland Deputy Director with victims families and supporters outside Belfast High Court (Brian Lawless/PA)

The British government has said it remains committed to its controversial Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy Act despite a High Court judge ruling that one of its key elements is unlawful.

Delivering a judgment at Belfast High Court, Mr Justice Adrian Colton ruled that the provision for conditional immunity from prosecution for Troubles offences in the Act is not compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).