The UK and Irish governments have detailed new proposals addressing the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles. These plans involve the creation of a new commission operating under an oversight board, with officials expressing hopes that this body will foster greater public trust than previous arrangements.
Hilary Benn stated that the new legislation aims to be human rights compliant, in contrast to the previous Tory Legacy Act. The Irish government indicated that it would “revisit” potential legal action against the UK’s Legacy Act should the new agreement be formally legislated.
Mr. Benn also rejected claims that the new legacy plans would provide veterans with de facto immunity from prosecution, noting significant opposition to such provisions in the earlier Legacy Act. An Irish government official characterized the new proposals as a “night and day improvement” compared to the prior law.
Source: www.theguardian.com