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Northern Ireland Legacy of the Past 2025-12-04
04 December 2025
Lead MP
Tonia Antoniazzi
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Northern Ireland
Other Contributors: 9
At a Glance
Tonia Antoniazzi raised concerns about northern ireland legacy of the past 2025-12-04 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
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
The report emphasises the importance of addressing the legacy of past conflicts in Northern Ireland to preserve peace and justice for victims. It critiques current measures, such as the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), for lacking trust and proposes reforms including ECHR-compliance, more inclusive case referrals, and transparent governance structures. The report also highlights the need for adequate funding and clear guidelines on appointments to ensure effective investigations.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Asked about the incompatibility between uncovering truth and reinstating trials prevented by previous legacy laws. Suggested that fear of trial discourages individuals from revealing truths.
Adam Jogee
Lab
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Acknowledged the work of staff on the report and emphasised the need for full voice to be given to all affected by the troubles. Called for better engagement between MPs in this House, Oireachtas members, and Northern Ireland Assembly.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Asked about the Irish Government's role in addressing issues like the Omagh bombing inquiry, showing dissatisfaction with the lack of progress.
Katrina Murray
Lab
Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch
Highlighted the importance of ensuring ECHR-compliant processes to gain full cooperation from institutions in Ireland for investigating Troubles-related issues.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Emphasised the need for clarity on whether protections under the Bill are unique to veterans or apply to all potential participants, including former paramilitaries.
Chris Bloore
Lab
Redditch
Stressed the importance of reconciliation in the process and questioned what more could be done by the Government to ensure it is delivered alongside other measures.
Al Pinkerton
Lib Dem
Surrey Heath
Acknowledged the integrity of Sir Declan Morgan but suggested that the failure was due to the compromised nature of the organisation, not its leadership.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Called for more action from both UK and Irish Governments on legacy issues and questioned whether exclusion of Troubles-related sexual crimes should be addressed in the Bill.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asked how justice would be ensured for victims' families, especially those whose loved ones were killed by IRA members who escaped to Ireland and have not faced accountability.
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Assessment & feedback
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