What does abolishing the controversial Legacy Act mean for Northern Ireland?

Without I anyone much noticing, the government is to abolish one of the most controversial pieces of legislation passed by the last government: the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, commonly called the Legacy Act.

It was deeply resented by many in Northern Ireland, who saw it as denying them justice for loved ones killed or injured in the Troubles, but supported by others who felt that old soldiers doing their duty decades ago were being held to unrealistic human rights standards in what was in effect a theatre of war.

Hilary Benn, the secretary of state, is thus facing some criticism as well as support for his actions. It is proving divisive and adds to the under-reported tensions in the province...

What was the Legacy Act for?

It aimed to “draw a line” under the remaining outstanding legal actions, and any future ones, arising from offences committed in the Troubles. It thus covered the period from the outbreak of violence and deployment of troops in 1969 until 1998. The law covered terrorists and crown forces and sought to replace public prosecutions, civil actions and inquests with a “truth and reconciliation” process analogous to that used after the fall of apartheid in South Africa.