The British government says it will bring in a new law governing the prosecution of soldiers for alleged offences committed in the UK, including Northern Ireland.
The commitment was made in today's legislative programme for the coming parliamentary session.
But it was criticised by former armed forces minster Johnny Mercer, who said the government had not included legislation to protect army veterans from prosecution.
Although Queen Elizabeth's speech today did not include any details, it did promise a bill after consultations with relevant parties.
A Downing Street spokesman said the government's intention is to bring forward legislation that addresses the legacy of the Troubles, with a focus on information recovery and reconciliation.
He said the British government has held substantive consultations with the Irish Government and political parties in Northern Ireland, but declined to say if a bill would be forthcoming within the next 12 months.
Asked if it would include plans to drop prosecutions from the Troubles in favour of a South African style truth and reconciliation commission, the spokesperson said work was ongoing and it would be wrong to jump ahead.
The queen told the British parliament today that measures will be brought forward to "address the legacy of the past" in Northern Ireland.
"My ministers will promote the strength and integrity of the union," the queen said.
"Measures will be brought forward to strengthen devolved government in Northern Ireland and address the legacy of the past."
The government will also take steps to "renew democracy and the constitution," she added.
Allegations over unresolved crimes from the Troubles remain a contentious issue 23 years after a peace deal was struck.
The Irish Government last week urged London not to seek to shield former soldiers who served during conflict from prosecution, describing reports of such plans as deeply alarming.
Members of Northern Ireland's power-sharing government, including Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill, also strongly opposed any such move.
A murder trial in Belfast of two former British soldiers accused of shooting dead IRA commander Joe McCann in 1972 collapsed last week.
Additional reporting PA
