Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 2025-10-15
2025-10-15
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State previously stated that the new legacy commission will not relitigate previous investigations involving veterans unless there are compelling reasons to do so. This was reinforced in clause 30 of the Bill.
To remove scope from opportunistic lawyers, would he consider defining far more closely than he has done up to this point precisely what he means by “compelling reasons”?
That is no doubt an issue that the House will discuss as the Bill is considered in detail. I think that “compelling” and “essential” is a pretty high bar. It will be for the commission to interpret that, but no doubt we will continue to discuss it.
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Assessment & feedback
Avoided providing a specific definition of 'compelling reasons'
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State criticized the current Opposition's position regarding withdrawal from the European convention on human rights, highlighting Winston Churchill’s historic support for it.
What assessment has his Department made as to the effect that ceasing to be a signatory of the ECHR would have on the Good Friday agreement, the Windsor protocol, the new legacy framework and Northern Ireland’s institutions in general?
The Government are absolutely committed to the European convention on human rights. I very much regret that the current Opposition have moved away from that historic support, which goes right back to Winston Churchill, as the hon. Member has set out. It is highly irresponsible to suggest picking away at one of the essential foundations of the Good Friday agreement.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a detailed assessment of potential effects on agreements and frameworks in Northern Ireland
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Yesterday, the Secretary of State highlighted protections for veterans in this legislation but did not answer whether the Attorney General had been excluded or recused. Today’s easier question asks about specific clauses.
Given that yesterday the Secretary of State highlighted the protections for veterans in this legislation, could he tell the House which page, which clause or which line uses the word “veteran”?
The clauses that would implement the protections in relation to veterans and others are clauses 30, 31, 36, 51, 54, 56, 69 and 84.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify which of these clauses contain the word 'veteran'
Response accuracy