Summary

  • The Northern Ireland Assembly debated the government's proposals for dealing with the legacy of the Troubles later

  • Last week the UK government unveiled its plans which would see an end to Troubles-related prosecutions

  • It would also end future inquests and civil actions

  • Executive parties, victims' groups and the Irish government have expressed opposition, with some labelling the plans as a "de-facto amnesty"

  • The UK government has yet to outline how its plans would affect the eight live Troubles-related prosecutions before Northern Ireland's courts

Live Reporting

  1. 'Disgusting' and 'not acceptable'

    Nichola Mallon

    The SDLP deputy leader, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon, opens today's discussion.

    She says the UK government has behaved in a "disgusting" manner.

    Mrs Mallon said the proposals were telling victims that their "loved one’s life didn’t matter".

    She says the measures being suggested by the government would "not be acceptable in any other modern democracy in the world".

    She calls on politicians to put past differences aside and unite in opposition to the proposals.

  2. Protests at Stormont

    Jayne McCormack
    BBC News NI political correspondent

    Some victims campaigners have gathered at Stormont ahead of the assembly recall debate on legacy proposals.

    They were joined by some Sinn Fein MLAs.

    The group handed a letter to Sinn Féin’s Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill opposing the UK government’s plan to end all Troubles-related prosecutions.

    It will also give the letter to the other main party leaders as well as to the Northern Ireland Office.

    Victims' rights protestors at Stormont

  3. How have people reacted to the proposals?

    Aftermath of the Dropinn Well bombing.Pacemaker

    The plans have been met with unanimous opposition form the Northern Ireland Executive parties.

    Victims and their families have also condemned the proposals.

    They have said it would end the pursuit of justice for many families.

    The motion before MLAs today, brought by the SDLP, rejects the government's proposals.

  4. What are the proposals?

    The measures proposed by the government would see a statute of limitations applied to all Troubles-related incidents.

    It is understood it would apply to former members of the security forces as well as ex-paramilitaries.

    Speaking last week, Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said it was not a decision that was taken lightly.

    The plans also include an end to all legacy inquests and civil actions related to the conflict.

    The government's paper makes no mention of what might happen to cases currently before the courts.

    You can read more here.

    NI Secretary of State Brandon LewisHoC

  5. Assembly discussing UK government legacy proposals

    A soldier stands beside a demolished house.PA Media

    The Assembly will shortly be discussing proposals from the UK government on how to deal with legacy issues in Northern Ireland.

    That move has been met with opposition from political parties, victims and victims' rights groups.

    The proposals, announced by Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis, include provisions for a statute of limitations, a legal mechanism which would bar future prosecutions.

    This would apply to former members of the security forces and to former paramilitaries.