The families of 200 victims killed by the British Army and the RUC have written to Secretary of State Chris Bryant saying they will oppose any future legacy mechanism if it is biased towards veterans.

The letter was issued through the campaign groups, the Pat Finucane Centre and Relatives for Justice, as the NI Troubles Bill was due to be debate at Westminster.

Signatories point out that none of those bereaved have ‘ever had justice through the criminal justice system’ and how ‘no successful prosecutions have ever resulted from the deaths of our children, parents or siblings’.

The families insist on their entitled ‘to lawful legacy mechanisms that serve all victims of the conflict and are human rights compliant’.

Campaigners including members of the Bloody Sunday families at a demonstration against the Conservative party's Legacy Act, which is being replaced by the NI Troubles Bill.

placeholder image — Campaigners including members of the Bloody Sunday families at a demonstration against the Conservative party's Legacy Act, which is being replaced by the NI Troubles Bill.

"There has been a de facto amnesty for state forces to date, as evidenced by the lack of investigations, prosecutions or even official acknowledgement that the state also caused great harm and suffering over decades.

"You are creating a hierarchy of victims which gives preference to those who killed our loved ones, which is morally wrong and cannot be justified. You must redress this.

"Any future legacy mechanism which is biased towards veterans and enforces this hierarchy of victims will not be lawful and will fail.

"Any such mechanism will not command our support or confidence,” the letter states.

The NI Troubles Bill passed its final stage in the British House of Commons on Tuesday.

Mr. Bryant has insisted that the legislation removes immunity from prosecution for British soldiers that was included in the 2023 NI Legacy Act, however, victims’ campaigners have expressed concern that under the bill’s terms no serious troubles-related offences will be allowed to proceed without the consent of the Attorney General in London.