(Bloomberg) — The UK and Irish governments announced a new framework to deal with legacy issues from decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland known as the Troubles, marking a step forward in Anglo-Irish relations.

The comprehensive agreement outlined Friday will replace a controversial bill enacted by the UK’s previous Conservative government. The Legacy Act, introduced by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, gave amnesty from prosecution for British veterans and paramilitary members who cooperated with a new investigatory commission.

Parties across the political spectrum in Northern Ireland opposed it and it angered victims’ families, who felt prevented from getting justice. The UK will now legislate to end the former government’s immunity scheme, the most controversial part of t

See Full Page