The Labour government has committed to repealing and replacing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 introduced by the previous Conservative administration.

However, it says there are “wider constitutional questions” raised by a judgment handed down by Northern Ireland’s Court of Appeal last September which it says it must appeal.

Belfast firm Phoenix Law is representing Martina Dillon, the appellant in the lead case, whose husband Seamus was shot and killed in 1997.

Phoenix Law partner Darragh Mackin said: “Despite losing in both the High Court and Court of Appeal, we are yet to see legislation being implemented to repeal the unjust and unlawful provisions that remain.

“The reality is, for these victims, talk is cheap. Actions speak louder than words and absent any realisable change to this draconian regime, these victims are compelled to continue their fight and defend this appeal before the London Supreme Court.”

Amnesty International, a respondent in the case, has accused the UK government of “dragging victims back to court, prolonging their suffering and defending the indefensible”.

Grainne Teggart, Amnesty’s deputy director for Northern Ireland, said: “It’s deeply disappointing that the government is persisting with this challenge, clinging to sweeping ‘national security’ powers that allow it to shroud the truth in secrecy.

“Families have waited far too long, they need answers, not more denial, excuses, and official obstruction.

“We must also end the political spin that claims veterans need ‘protection’ from the law. The only veterans affected are those accused of acting unlawfully, and no one is above the law.

“Efforts to reinstate impunity disguised as protection only deepen the pain of bereaved families who have already endured decades of delay and denial.

“The new legislation expected imminently is the government’s final opportunity to get this right: to replace failure with fairness, secrecy with truth, and finally deliver accountability after years of frustration and broken promises.

“Victims cannot be let down again.”