In a phone call with Taoiseach Micheal Martin, the Prime Minister had what Downing Street described as a “constructive discussion” on dealing with the legacy of the 30-year conflict in Northern Ireland. Mr Martin himself echoed Downing Street’s comments, tweeting that he had had a “constructive discussion with British PM Keir Starmer today on a framework for dealing with legacy”. Downing Street and the Taoiseach described the conversation as ‘constructive’ (Peter Byrne/PA)The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act has been criticised by human rights campaigners for granting conditional immunity to suspects. A former Royal Marine and special forces officer, Mr Carns was reported by The Times to be considering resigning over plans to repeal the Legacy Act. But earlier in the week, Downing Street said the Government was “working in lockstep” on the issue.

Source: The Times July 18, 2025 23:59 UTC