The Court ruled the controversial Act gave the UK Government too much veto power over the disclosure of Troubles material. The case looked at the independence of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), which was established under the Act. The Court stated the legislation giving the UK Government the final say on information disclosure would risk undermining public confidence.

“I am pleased the Court has rightly ruled the disclosure arrangements are incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. It is the right and just decision,” said Lagan Valley MP Ms Eastwood.

“The Legacy Act is one of the darkest moments in the shameful history of the previous UK Government. It took the possibility of truth and justice away from victims and survivors, which was a particularly grievous betrayal of them.

“I hope today gives renewed urgency to the new UK Government to follow through on its commitment to repeal and replace this disgraceful Legacy Act. We need to see a new, all-encompassing process with victims and survivors at the heart, built around the principles of promoting reconciliation, upholding the rule of law and delivering fair and proportional access to justice for everyone.

“Alliance has long argued the proposals contained in the Stormont House Agreement adhered to these principles and we will continue making that case to the UK Government.”