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Northern Ireland: Legacy of the Troubles
04 December 2024
Lead MP
Hilary Benn
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Northern Ireland
Other Contributors: 21
At a Glance
Hilary Benn raised concerns about northern ireland: legacy of the troubles 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
The Government's approach to addressing the legacy of the Troubles was flawed and must be corrected. The Labour party will lay a remedial order under the Human Rights Act 1998 to address deficiencies in the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, including removing provisions related to immunity from prosecution for perpetrators of terrorist crimes, enabling civil proceedings, restoring halted inquests, and reforming the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). The Government will also introduce primary legislation when parliamentary time allows, committing to restore inquests halted by the legacy Act, amend disclosure regimes, enable public hearings under specific circumstances, and ensure ICRIR's independence.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
The approach taken to legacy by the last Government was rejected by Northern Ireland political parties, victims' groups, and the Irish Government. The Labour party will ensure that civil proceedings can proceed, restore halted inquests, and amend the disclosure regime to allow for the greatest possible information disclosure. The ICRIR will be able to hold public hearings under specific circumstances, with reforms to strengthen its independence and accountability. The Government are committed to delivering on their promise to remove conditional immunity and enable victims' families to obtain information, accountability, and acknowledgement.
Alex Burghart
Con
Brentwood and Ongar
Acknowledged the Government's mandate but expressed concern over erasing a previous attempt to draw a line under difficult past events. Emphasised the need for support for elderly individuals, particularly veterans, affected by inquests. Raised questions about ICRIR's independence and powers, the regime emerging after the legacy Act, and article 2(1) of the Windsor framework.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Responded to concerns raised by Alex Burghart, highlighting the failure of previous legislation due to incompatibility with international obligations. Acknowledged the importance of veterans and expressed intentions to build confidence in ICRIR through further changes. Addressed complexities arising from different routes of remedy and the need for clarity on article 2 interpretation.
Adam Jogee
Lab
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Asked about the timing of primary legislation to be introduced and how this announcement would bring people in Northern Ireland together, highlighting progress made since 1998 but noting much more remains to be done.
Al Pinkerton
Lib Dem
Surrey Heath
Welcomed the Government's new approach and announced legislation, expressing hope for progress towards Ireland withdrawing its legal case. Emphasised the need for a constructive relationship with Northern Ireland political parties and the Republic of Ireland. Raised questions about reforming or replacing ICRIR to ensure widespread public trust.
David Smith
Lab
North Northumberland
Smith asked if the Secretary of State would work with all stakeholders, including the Irish Government, as he plans a new way forward on legacy issues. He noted that all sections of Northern Ireland society were opposed to the original legacy Act.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Smith welcomed the Secretary of State’s statement but expressed concern about managing expectations due to the passage of time. He questioned whether pressing the Irish Government on specific terrorist atrocities could yield results.
Michael Wheeler
Lab
Worsley and Eccles
Wheeler thanked Benn for his decisive action in announcing changes and sought assurance that the thread running through any future actions would be a firm commitment to victims, providing them with answers they deserve.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Wilson welcomed the Government's appeal on article 2 but criticised its potential implications for Northern Ireland. He urged Benn to ensure that discussions with the Irish Government address their past sins and involvement in aiding terrorism.
Laurence Turner
Lab
Birmingham Northfield
Turner raised the issue of the Birmingham pub bombings and sought assurance from Benn regarding the potential implications of his announcement for the campaign to find out what happened on that day.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Lewis questioned whether taking people to court would likely result in uncovering the truth compared to an amnesty coupled with a truth recovery process. He noted concerns about sentencing under the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998.
Louise Jones
Lab
North East Derbyshire
Jones paid tribute to those who served in Northern Ireland and questioned how veterans affected by any changes would receive welfare and legal support. She emphasised that any solution must have the support of victims’ groups.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Asked the Secretary of State about his commitment to ICRIR and the Stormont House agreement, expressing concern over families' confidence in ICRIR.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Clarified that inquiries were never taken off the table as an option and explained the unique circumstances leading to a public inquiry for Pat Finucane. Emphasised the need to build confidence in ICRIR but expressed doubt about its effectiveness being judged solely by families.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Called for justice for soldiers who lost their lives in Northern Ireland, highlighting the lack of closure for some victims' families. Questioned whether those responsible would face consequences without an appeal to the Supreme Court.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Expressed support for justice information being available to all and acknowledged that service personnel who lost their lives did not support the legacy Act due to proposed immunity. Stressed the importance of removing immunity from the statute book.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Welcomed news about pursuing an appeal regarding article 2 of the Windsor framework and questioned whether there is a need for separate Finucane inquiry if ICRIR has similar powers. Criticised Irish Republic's lack of accountability.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Explained that article 2 was designed to ensure no diminution in rights for people in Northern Ireland post-Brexit and committed to defending the principle. Reiterated commitment to upholding previous government's promise regarding public inquiries.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Welcomed repeal of the legacy Act, highlighting its flaws under the previous Government. Called for specific inquiries into various incidents involving victims and questioned about protections against witch hunts against armed forces and RUC officers.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Acknowledged the emotional impact of discussing these issues, emphasising the need to provide answers where possible for families seeking justice. Stated that each family must come to terms with their loss in their own way.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Thanked the Secretary of State for his statement and acknowledged the timing as highly appreciated, without providing detailed statistics or policy details.
Government Response
Provided clarifications on inquiries and ICRIR's role, defended principles of justice information availability, and committed to addressing families' need for closure.
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