IrelandMorning Briefing

Wednesday’s Top Stories: Varadkar and Sunak clash over UK Troubles law amid Stormont breakthrough; Extra 120,000 homes may be needed by 2030

Here are the most important stories you need to start your day, including UK government set to publish deal which will set stage for Stormont return

Aliza Blu Doody (5), Levi Jordan (6) and Ivy Walsh (7)  with Cristian Dirocie at the launch of National St. Patrick’s Festival. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
Aliza Blu Doody (5), Levi Jordan (6) and Ivy Walsh (7) with Cristian Dirocie at the launch of National St. Patrick’s Festival. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
Varadkar and Sunak clash over UK Troubles law amid Stormont breakthrough

British prime minister Rishi Sunak strongly criticised Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for Ireland’s case against the UK’s legacy act during a telephone call between the two men on Tuesday to discuss the breakthrough at Stormont.

Mr Varadkar announced before Christmas that the Irish Government would take legal action in the European Court of Human Rights against the UK over the legislation, which allows immunity to be offered to the perpetrators of Troubles-era crimes

In a call on Tuesday, Mr Sunak criticised the decision, and expressed the British government’s “disappointment” that Dublin would take the case at such a sensitive time in Northern Ireland.

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Fiachra Gallagher writes that for those who remember Ann’s death, January 31st is a painful reminder. Photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons
Fiachra Gallagher writes that for those who remember Ann’s death, January 31st is a painful reminder. Photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons

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