Labour commits to ditching Northern Ireland Legacy Act if they win election

The Labour Party have committed to scrapping the controversial Northern Ireland Legacy Act if they win the upcoming UK General Election.

The party launched their manifesto at an event in Manchester this morning where leader Sir Keir Starmer set out his vision for change.

The 136 page document makes 15 references to Northern Ireland including a commitment to continuing with the implementation of the Windsor Framework and repealing the controversial Northern Ireland Legacy Act.

Read more: The Conservative Party's manifesto pledges on Northern Ireland

Read more: Full list of candidates running in the General Election in Northern Ireland

The manifesto states that the Legacy Act introduced by the Conservative government, which all of the parties in Northern Ireland campaigned against, denies justice to the families and victims of the Troubles. The Labour Party committed to returning to the principles of the Stormont House Agreement, and seeking support from all communities in Northern Ireland.

The Labour party confirmed that they are committed to continuing to implement the Windsor Framework "in good faith" and to promote Northern Ireland as a place to invest.

"Labour is committed to implementing the Windsor Framework in good faith and protecting the UK internal market," the document states.

"Northern Ireland’s economy has enormous strengths - with a highly skilled workforce, strong services, manufacturing and life sciences sectors, and great opportunities for inward investment. A Labour government will champion Northern Ireland around the world and work with the Executive to encourage more businesses to invest in Northern Ireland’s future."

When it comes to how Stormont is financed, the party said that they are committed to working with the Northern Ireland Executive and take forward discussions around a fiscal framework.

On relations with the Irish Government, which have been strained in recent years under the Conservatives, the Labour party say that they will work with the Irish Government to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

As such, the party also committed to strengthening internal relations among the UK's devolved governments with the establishment of a Council of the Nations and Regions. This will bring together the Prime Minister,the First and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales, and the Mayors of Combined Authorities.

The Labour Party outlined how they plan to restore decision-making over the allocation of structural funds to Stormont and that the planned investments in public services will result in additional funding for Northern Ireland.

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