Legacy Act: Government to challenge Court of Appeal ruling

Labour has pledged to address the concerns of victims’ groups by replacing the act and is currently consulting on the issue.

But it intends keeping the new legacy body, the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

The Court of Appeal found the act was in breach of human rights law and the Windsor Framework.

The government’s legal response was first reported by the Reuters news agency on Friday night.

In a statement, the NIO said it fully intends repealing and replacing the act.

It went on: “It is absolutely clear that changes to the act are necessary to ensure it is human rights compliant.

“That is why the government has already committed to bringing forward a remedial order under the Human Rights Act, and to reforming the ICRIR.

“The Court of Appeal judgment is complex and wide-ranging.

“We require further time to consider fully its implications and next steps, and intend to bring clarity and certainty as soon as possible.

“In the meantime, the government has lodged an application with the Court of Appeal seeking leave to appeal the judgment.”