Unionist MLAs have used a peace process veto to stop a proposed increase in the minimum age of criminal responsibility in Northern Ireland, drawing sharp criticism from campaigners and other parties.

An amendment to the Justice Bill tabled by Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland sought to raise the age from 10 to 14 for most crimes, with a lower limit of 12 for murder, manslaughter and rape. The petition of concern, signed by the DUP, TUV and four UUP members, means the change now requires cross-community backing. With a majority of unionists opposed, the amendment is set to fail after a mandatory 14-day consideration period.

UUP leader Jon Burrows rejected suggestions of political deals, stating that the four signatures from his party were obtained without threats or inducements. He argued the legislation was ill-conceived and would have put victims at risk.

Campaign group Ten Is Too Young, represented by John O’Doherty of the Children’s Law Centre, said the veto was a misuse of a mechanism intended to protect minority rights. O’Doherty warned that vulnerable children would continue to be criminalized and that public confidence in the Assembly could erode.

Alliance deputy leader Eóin Tennyson said the action undermined democracy and called for fundamental reform of the Assembly’s procedures. DUP Education Minister Paul Givan defended the petition, citing the Good Friday Agreement’s requirement for cross-community consensus on key decisions. He said his party prioritised the interests of victims.

The petition needed 30 signatures. The final UUP signatories—Burrows, Diana Armstrong, Alan Chambers and Robbie Butler—confirmed their support on Monday night, ensuring the threshold was reached. The 14-day consideration period now begins before any vote.

Northern Ireland’s age of criminal responsibility remains among the lowest in Europe at 10. Scotland and the Republic of Ireland have raised theirs to 12. The UN has urged countries to set the minimum age at 14, and a 2023 consultation by the Department of Justice found strong support in Northern Ireland for such a change.