Consultations on Addressing Legacy of Northern Ireland's Past Victims Groups 2021-12-08
2021-12-08
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Representations from victims groups regarding consultations on addressing the legacy of Northern Ireland's past.
What recent representations have been received from victims groups on consultations on addressing the legacy of Northern Ireland's past?
Since publishing the Command Paper, the Government have engaged with a range of stakeholders, including victims groups, who we have always said must be central to discussions on legacy. Victims groups provided evidence at sessions that the Government convened with Northern Ireland parties and in partnership with the Irish Government.
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Opposition to the Government's amnesty proposals among victims groups in Northern Ireland.
Now that there appears to be total unanimity in opposition to the Government's amnesty proposals among the people most directly affected in Northern Ireland, how will he reconcile their opinion with his desire to proceed?
We are working through the feedback that we received over the summer and autumn following engagement with a range of parties, including victims groups. We need to be honest about what is achievable and ensure that investigations continue. The information recovery body will have access to information in a way not seen before.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not directly address the opposition's concerns but acknowledged working through feedback received from stakeholders.
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Ensuring compliance with Article 2 and the development of a truth and reconciliation plan.
If proposals are to secure traction, they will have to be compliant with article 2, and we will need a fully fleshed out plan for truth and reconciliation. Can he give assurances on both points?
Yes, my hon. Friend is absolutely right. The Command Paper made clear ensuring investigations continue. There will be an information recovery body to get to the truth in ways not seen before. We are determined to deliver on that and ensure what we deliver is Article 2 compliant.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Command Paper was published in July, implying a change in thinking over time.
What is the difference between the Secretary of State's current thinking and his thinking as it stood when the Command Paper was published?
We have not had pauses. We said we wanted to engage with parties and agreed at the summer British-Irish intergovernmental conference to do so in partnership. Work continued over the summer and autumn, culminating in a meeting of the British-Irish intergovernmental conference just last week.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary avoided addressing specific differences between current thinking and what was outlined in July but acknowledged ongoing engagement.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Proposals are currently on the table, but victims need to be at the forefront.
Instead of delaying further, can he give a clear assurance that victims will be front and centre and in the driving seat before returning with proposals?
We want to ensure we are delivering for people, especially victims who have waited too long. The Command Paper sets out a plan for getting to the truth of what happened. We need to look at failures of the current system and offer a new way forward.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not provide a clear assurance that victims would be in charge but highlighted delivering information recovery and looking into feedback.
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Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP received media briefings indicating repeated missed deadlines for Northern Ireland Office legislation. The Secretary of State had set seven self-imposed deadlines.
On the weekend, I received another call from the media with a briefing from the Northern Ireland Office saying that legislation and a statement would be coming out this week. This is the seventh deadline to produce this legislation—self-set by the Secretary of State—that he has missed. Does he have any intention at all of honouring his word?
I do not recognise what my hon. Friend just outlined. I said that I would set out to Parliament our intended direction of travel and what we wanted to do before the summer recess, and we did that with the Command Paper. We did have an ambition to legislate this autumn, but we have had ongoing conversations with victims groups and veterans groups, the Irish Government and the parties in Northern Ireland. This is a complex area, and we need to ensure that when we deliver legislation on this, it works for the people of Northern Ireland and those who served there.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not specify whether he intends to adhere to the self-imposed deadlines for producing the legislation.
Did Not Recognise
Ongoing Conversations
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