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European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism 2025-03-11
11 March 2025
Lead MP
Gavin Robinson
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
Northern Ireland
Other Contributors: 9
At a Glance
Gavin Robinson raised concerns about european remembrance day for victims of terrorism 2025-03-11 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Today is the European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism, reflecting on terror and its impact. MP Gavin Robinson highlighted the victims like Jo Cox and David Amess who were killed by extremists, emphasising the legacy in Northern Ireland that has not healed. He discussed meetings with organisations representing innocent victims, underlining their desire for truth and justice. The speech also touched upon the need for reconciliation and justice without glorifying terrorists.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commended Robinson for bringing forward this issue, stressing the importance of setting in stone truth about victims.
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
Supported the remarks made by Robinson regarding victims' needs and emphasised the need to assert that victims' stories should be told without whitewashing.
David Smith
Lab
North Northumberland
Agreed with Robinson on the importance of truth, justice, and reconciliation as intentional parts of dealing with legacy issues.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Commented that glorification of those who caused harm to victims is an insidious hurt, especially from political leaders in Northern Ireland.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Asked if critics opposing the legacy Act were not really criticising a measure that would have given better opportunity for truth to come out once prosecutions are removed.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Often when events happen in Northern Ireland, the Irish Government pressure our Government but fail to make adequate representations for issues happening on their side.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
The motion passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly urging the Irish Government to hold an inquiry into Omagh should be taken seriously and responded to positively by the Minister.
Will the Minister give way?
I am afraid I do not have time, because I want to respond to the issues that the right hon. Member for Belfast East raised.
Government Response
There is no minister's response provided in this adjournment debate transcript. The debate concluded with lead MP Gavin Robinson addressing the importance of justice and reconciliation, emphasising the need for truth without glorification of terrorists. I congratulate Gavin Robinson on securing this important debate. Acts of terrorism have had a devastating impact in Northern Ireland, where over 3,000 people were killed during the troubles. The current threat from Northern Ireland-related terrorism is assessed as substantial, and I pay tribute to those who work tirelessly for our safety. In seeking to address the legacy of the troubles, we are committed to bringing forward a memorialisation strategy to support inclusive structures and initiatives. We have been working with victims and survivors to correct deficiencies in the legacy Act and introduce primary legislation that will reform and strengthen the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery. The Government was pleased that the Police Ombudsman recently returned to work following an extended period of absence. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on legal proceedings, but I understand families’ concern and frustration with publication delays. The ombudsman’s office is doing all it can to publish reports.
A number of troubles-related cases have a cross-border dimension, including the Kingsmill murders. Truly holistic legacy mechanisms require co-operation between both the UK and Irish Governments. This Government considers the Irish Government an essential partner for human rights compliant processes that command public confidence across communities.
The Omagh bombing inquiry’s commemorative hearings were a painful reminder of terrorist impact on families and communities. Victims do not need reminders; they live with it daily. The Secretary of State received political assurances from the Irish Government on full co-operation, though practical details are still being determined through a memorandum of understanding. Details will be provided in due course by the inquiry, which is independent.
The Government remains focused on ensuring that established UK inquiries can successfully fulfill their terms of reference. We remember all those killed by terrorist acts and pay tribute to everyone carrying on despite grief. They work around gaps caused by loss, remembering people who should be here but are not. In memory of all who have died, we will keep taking action against terrorism for peace and justice.
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