Government Faces First Defeat Over Controversial Troubles Amnesty Bill

The House of Lords has voted to scrap a key immunity provision which aims to put an end to Northern Ireland conflict-related prosecutions

Lanark Way interface gates which allowed traffic to move between the Republican and Loyalist areas of Belfast during limited times of the day has been painted ahead of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. Pictured on April. 6, 2023. PA Media

The government has faced its first defeat over its so-called Troubles amnesty after peers backed stripping a key part of the controversial legislation.

On Monday the House of Lords—supported by 197 votes to 185—demanded removal of the contentious immunity provision in the proposed Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill.