A law firm for a Northern Ireland victims’ organisation is raising funds to review whether UK law could be changed to make it easier for victims of terrorism to file lawsuits.

London firm McCue & Partners, acting on behalf of Innocent Victims United, is raising £25,000 through crowdfunding website CrowdJustice to allow for a comprehensive review of current UK terror legislation and a comparative study of other countries’ laws.

The firm will then produce a policy paper on the issues to submit with recommendations to the Government.

It has already called for an end to the time-limit for victims of terrorism to take their case to court; an end to state immunity as a shield against prosecution; the extension of jurisdiction to terrorist attacks against UK citizens abroad; and greater availability of legal aid.

The project has won the support of Khalid Mahmood MP, chair of the Tackling Terrorism All-Party Parliamentary Group.

Matthew Jury, managing partner of McCue & Partners, said: “The UK should be supporting UK victims in pursuing justice, not making it more difficult. Our government can and must do better.

“If the law did not place so many barriers in their way, the Army Council of the Real IRA could have been brought to justice for Omagh; UK victims of Libyan terrorism might have received compensation, rather than being denied justice while other foreign victims received millions; and the victims of the IRA’s attack on Hyde Park would not have to fight for legal aid. It is time for change.”

Kenny Donaldson, spokesman for Innocent Victims United, added: “This initiative is an attempt to develop policy and amend legislation to move the Government to finally step up to the plate to support those who have borne such a heavy personal cost.

“This effort to hold the UK Government accountable around existing unacceptable policies for victims and survivors of terrorism is a very positive step. We appeal to the general public to support us in our campaign. The political expedient policies of Government must no longer be allowed to traumatise those already hurt so badly.”