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Proceeding contribution from Gavin Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 21 January 2026. It occurred during Debates on delegated legislation on Northern Ireland Troubles: Legacy and Reconciliation.


Northern Ireland Troubles: Legacy and Reconciliation

I intend to return to this matter in my contribution later on, but the issue of civil cases highlights most starkly the discord even between the courts. The High Court in Belfast focused only on the retrospective application of the provisions on civil cases, but the Court of Appeal then said that not only should it not be retrospective, but it should have no application in the future. There was a disagreement between the High Court and the Court of Appeal about the import of the measure, yet the Secretary of State, more determined to pursue his policy objective than the law, decided not to appeal that issue in the Supreme Court. That is why there are questions about the appropriate nature of this remedial order—does he accept that?


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
779 c383 
Session
2024-26
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Criminal investigation Civil proceedings Coroners Evidence Human rights Immunity from prosecution Northern Ireland Prosecutions Victims Terrorism Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery Veterans
Legislation
Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial) Order 2025
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on hansard.parliament.uk