Ireland is launching legal action against the UK (Image: Getty)

       Ireland is set to sue the UK in a secretive European court over a Bill introduced by Boris Johnson. Leo Varadkar's government will launch a legal challenge against the United Kingdom concerning its decision to give immunity for crimes committed during the Troubles.

       The controversial Troubles Legacy Act, which was introduced into the House of Commons by former PM Boris Johnson, became law in September despite fierce opposition from political rivals in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

       Mr Johnson's rivals argue that the Bill, which will also halt future civil cases and legacy inquests, has given an amnesty to killers - and has prevented victims from securing justice for crimes committed against them during the bloody period in Irish history.

       The conflict, which lasted more than three decades, saw 3,500 die while thousands more sustained serious injuries. Boris Johnson tabled the bill during his tenure as PM to "draw a line" under the period of conflict - but now it is being challenged under the European Convention of Human Rights.

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       Taoiseach Leo Varadkar speaks to the media at the Government Buildings in Dublin (Image: PA)

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       Tánaiste Micheál Martin said, the deputy prime minister of Ireland, said: "This decision was taken after much thought and careful consideration. I regret that we find ourselves in a position where such a choice had to be made."

       Arguing that the Conservative Government had pursued legislation "unilaterally", he added: "We are not alone in our concerns. Serious reservations about this legislation have also been raised by a number of international observers, including the Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights," Mr Martin added.

       "Most importantly, this legislation is opposed by people in Northern Ireland, especially the victims and families who will be most directly impacted by this Act."

       Irish politicians have welcomed the move, as the SDLP leader described the challenge as “welcome” and “utterly necessary”.

       Colum Eastwood claimed that the Act was “the most extreme legislation that shuts down access to justice for victims and survivors”. He added: “The inter-state case being taken by the Irish Government is both welcome and utterly necessary.

       “If the British Government will not respect the treaties it enters into, respect international law or respect the basic tenets of justice then it must be challenged robustly.”

       Mr Martin said the incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights into Northern Ireland law is a specific and fundamental requirement of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

       He said: “Since the UK legislation was first tabled, the Government have been consistent that it is not compatible with the convention. I used every opportunity to make my concerns known and urged the British Government to pause this legislation.”

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       He added: “I have consistently adopted a victims-centred approach to this issue. We are not alone in our concerns. Serious reservations about this legislation have also been raised by a number of international observers, including the Council of Europe’s commissioner for human rights and the UN High Commissioner for human rights.

       “Most importantly, this legislation is opposed by people in Northern Ireland, especially the victims and families who will be most directly impacted by this Act.”

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