Responding to comments made by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as he held talks with the political leaders in Northern Ireland today as part of his tour of the devolved administrations , in which he recommitted to the principles of the Good Friday Agreement, Grainne Teggart, Amnesty International UK’s Northern Ireland Deputy Director, said: 

“The Good Friday Agreement was under constant attack from the last Government which introduced multiple pieces of legislation which threatened it.

“We strongly welcome the Prime Minister’s vocal commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, and to getting rid of the widely-opposed Troubles Act. That must happen urgently.

“Our work will continue to ensure the Act is repealed and replaced as a high legislative priority and that new truth and justice processes centre victims’ voices and rights.

“There’s an opportunity now for this government to pursue a rights-respecting agenda, and that reset is urgently needed, not only in Northern Ireland, but across the UK.”

Repeal the Troubles Act and allow families truth and justice 

Labour in opposition committed to repealing and replacing the Troubles Act, which is welcome, necessary, and urgent. We must see judicial processes, such as inquests, reinstated, and victims’ rights to truth, justice and reparations fully realised. The Stormont House Agreement, with adjustments, must be legislated for and rights and the rule of law must be respected, protected, and upheld.