Supplementary Written Evidence by the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ), to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee inquiry the ‘Government’s new approach to addressing the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland’, following the introduction of Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.

Published: November 14, 2025

The Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) welcomes the UK Government’s intention to replace the 2023 Legacy Act and the ICRIR with a new Legacy Commission, but raises serious human rights concerns about the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.
CAJ argues that the Bill fails to explicitly require Legacy Commission investigations to comply with European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) standards, particularly in relation to deaths, torture and serious harm.
The Bill risks limiting effective investigations by restricting when cases can be re-investigated, even where previous investigations were flawed or unlawful.
CAJ highlights major concerns about national security veto powers, which allow Ministers to block or redact information in reports to families, potentially concealing state involvement in killings and other serious violations.
UN Special Rapporteurs have warned that these veto powers are incompatible with international law and the right of victims and families to know the truth.
The document raises concerns about the independence of the Legacy Commission, particularly the extensive role of the Secretary of State in appointing commissioners, investigators and judges.
CAJ calls for amendments to ensure genuine independence, human rights compliance, and transparency, including removing the national security veto and reinstating clear duties to comply with ECHR obligations.