Lord Speaker’s Statement

Lord McFall of Alcluith Excerpts

Tuesday 21st January 2025 Lords Chamber

[The Lord Speaker (Lord McFall of Alcluith)]

My Lords, noble Lords will be aware that legal proceedings arising from the judgment of the Northern Ireland Court of Appeal on the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 remain active. Part of my role is to decide whether, in specific circumstances, it is appropriate to waive the application of the sub judice rule, under which we do not debate matters before the courts. In view of the importance of the issues raised in this case, I have decided to grant an ongoing waiver of the rule to allow reference to be made to the case. A similar waiver has already been issued in the House of Commons.