The Law Society of Northern Ireland has called for an end to what it describes as “attacks on lawyers” during a House of Commons debate on the Northern Ireland (Troubles and Reconciliation) Bill this week.

“Solicitors provide vital support to victims and survivors of the Troubles to access truth and justice, and should not come under attack for doing their jobs,” the organisation said.

The statement is understood to refer to remarks made under parliamentary privilege by the DUP’s Ian Paisley about a Belfast-based solicitor.

Conference

Earlier this month, the society announced that it would be holding “a major conference” later this year to discuss the bill, which it expects to become law despite widespread criticism.

The society’s Human Rights and Equality Committee had previously raised concerns about the bill, saying that it would close down all current investigations into Troubles-related cases.

Late last year, the Council of Europe called on Britain to consider withdrawing the proposed legislation.