Legacy Discussions 2025-01-15
2025-01-15
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The SDLP member is concerned about the ongoing process of reforming the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery, particularly in light of recent events such as the court case involving Sean Brown's family and the anniversary of the Kingsmill massacre.
What progress has been made on reforming the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery? The MP references Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney’s description of Sean Brown, the day before his family is forced back to court, and the upcoming anniversary of the Kingsmill massacre. She asks if the Secretary of State will commit to removing the NIO veto under the guise of national security and ensuring root-and-branch reform of ICRIR with a focus on exposing collusive behavior.
The Secretary of State acknowledges meeting with the Brown family and Alan Black. He states that he is committed to a full investigation into Sean Brown's murder but cannot comment further due to ongoing legal proceedings. He confirms his commitment to fundamental reform of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not commit specifically to removing the NIO veto or exposing collusive behavior.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the focus of discussions around Northern Ireland's legacy, specifically that cross-community reconciliation may be treated as secondary to information recovery.
What discussions has the Secretary of State had with stakeholder groups on Northern Ireland's legacy? The MP asks how his right hon. Friend will ensure that the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery works with key stakeholders to foster cross-community reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
The Secretary of State acknowledges the importance of enabling families who have suffered to find answers, which is a fundamental part of facilitating the process of reconciliation in Northern Ireland. He emphasizes that both aspects need to be worked on.
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Assessment & feedback
While acknowledging the importance of cross-community reconciliation, the Secretary of State did not provide specific information about discussions with stakeholders.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP references a Policy Exchange report that raises concerns about the repeal of sections 46 and 47 of the Northern Ireland Troubles Act, which would block compensation payments to terrorists.
Does the Secretary of State agree with the need to block compensation payments to individuals like Gerry Adams as per previous cross-party positions? The MP urges him to return to the position that such payments should be blocked.
The Secretary of State acknowledges seeing the report and states that the approach in the legacy Act has been found unlawful. He confirms that work will continue to find a lawful way to address the issue identified by the right hon. Gentleman.
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Assessment & feedback
While acknowledging the need for legal compliance, the Secretary of State did not commit explicitly to blocking compensation payments.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the impact of recent events and political stances on the process of reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
Does the Secretary of State agree that the job of the commission is made more difficult by reprehensible incidents such as Sinn Féin First Minister Michelle O’Neill attending a commemoration for IRA terrorists? The MP raises concerns about the possibility of compensation payments to individuals like Gerry Adams.
The Secretary of State acknowledges the complexity of the process but welcomes the fact that Michelle O’Neill attended Remembrance Sunday commemorations. He emphasizes that people will express their views about past stances taken.
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Assessment & feedback
While acknowledging the complexity, the Secretary of State did not provide a clear stance on compensation to terrorists or how incidents impact reconciliation efforts.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP references previous government support for amendments to the legacy Act that ruled out compensation to individuals like Gerry Adams but questions why the current government has changed its stance.
Why have the Government now changed their position regarding amendments made in another place which ruled out compensation payments to people such as Gerry Adams? The MP corrects the Secretary of State’s earlier statement and suggests that Parliament could provide a legal basis for such rulings through the Carltona doctrine.
The Secretary of State acknowledges that courts have found certain clauses unlawful. He emphasizes that previous governments enabled terrorists to get immunity and denied civil claims, including against terrorists. He confirms the government's commitment to find a lawful means of addressing the issue identified.
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Assessment & feedback
While acknowledging legal challenges, the Secretary of State did not commit explicitly to preventing compensation payments or revisiting previous stances.
Response accuracy