Changes needed to British Govt's new legacy laws
A report from Westminster's Joint Committee on Human Rights argues that the British government's proposed legacy laws for Northern Ireland grant too much control over sensitive information to the Northern Secretary. The committee recommends that judicial figures, rather than government ministers, should decide on the disclosure of information to families.
Why it matters
The debate over legacy laws is critical for maintaining public trust and ensuring accountability for past crimes during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
The British government's proposed new legacy laws give it "maximum control" over public disclosure of sensitive information and that should be changed, according to a new report.
A failure to do so could "hamper" the ability of the new arrangements to "build and maintain trust".
The recommendation is one of a number in scrutiny of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill by Westminster's Joint Committee on Human Rights.
The committee of members of the Lords and Commons says the bill should be amended so that the power to decide on the disclosure of sensitive information to families passes to a judicial figure.
Under the existing proposed legislation, it rests with the Northern Secretary.
Critics argue it gives him a right of veto over what is disclosed on the grounds of "national security", including over things like the involvement of state agents in murders and other crimes.
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