Legacy of the Troubles 2021-10-27
2021-10-27
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about unresolved issues from the Northern Ireland conflict and seeks legislative action.
What plans he has to bring forward legislative proposals to address Northern Ireland legacy issues. The last time I raised this issue, I was told that veterans were being consulted. There are a range of views, including in Northern Ireland where many oppose a blanket amnesty. Will the Secretary of State commit to continued close engagement with veterans?
The Government are absolutely committed to fulfilling their manifesto commitments to provide certainty to the many veterans who served courageously. We will deliver on our manifesto pledge but also ensure we address the needs of victims and veterans equally. I am happy to restate that we will continue to engage closely with veterans groups.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not commit specifically to close engagement beyond restating previous commitments without new details.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP seeks assurance on the government's commitment to end vexatious claims against Northern Ireland veterans.
East Devon is home to many veterans who served their country. Can my right hon. Friend assure me that in his forthcoming legislation, we will stand by our promise to end vexatious claims against those who served in Northern Ireland?
The Government are absolutely committed to fulfilling their manifesto commitments to provide certainty to the many veterans who served courageously. We will deliver on our manifesto pledge and ensure that we address the needs of victims and veterans at the same time.
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Assessment & feedback
While expressing commitment, he did not directly commit to ending vexatious claims beyond restating previous pledges without new specifics.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about unresolved issues from the Northern Ireland conflict and seeks legislative action. He previously noted that a range of views are held, including in Northern Ireland where many oppose a blanket amnesty.
I offer my sympathies to the families of Dennis Hutchings and John Pat Cunningham during what must be an incredibly difficult period for them. The Secretary of State will therefore be aware that a range of views are held, including in Northern Ireland where many oppose a blanket amnesty. Will he commit to continued close engagement with veterans?
We have always been clear that dealing with the past in Northern Ireland must equally address the needs of victims and veterans. We are considering feedback from a range of views, including those on amnesty issues.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not commit specifically to continuing engagement without new details beyond restating previous commitments.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the delay in delivering legislation addressing Northern Ireland legacy issues despite previous promises.
After more than four years, two general election manifestos and a hand-signed promise in The Sun newspaper from the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State has delivered nothing. My question is very straightforward: Where is your Bill?
We set out our Command Paper in July and have been engaging with interested parties, including veterans, victims, civic society, and political parties in Northern Ireland. We are still focused on delivering legislation to the House this autumn.
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Assessment & feedback
While acknowledging engagement, he did not provide a specific timeline for the Bill beyond restating previous commitments.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP seeks clarity on which groups representing victims' families have agreed with the government's proposals.
Can the Secretary of State tell the House clearly which of the groups representing the families of victims that he has met have agreed with his proposals?
We appreciate it is a sensitive and complex issue. We have engaged widely across victims groups, including those not represented by formal organisations. We are taking on that feedback and will come forward with proposals very soon.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not specify which victim groups support the proposals without providing concrete details.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP's constituent Edward Vaughan-Jones' brother Robert died at Warrenpoint in 1979. The family has not received a conclusive report on his death.
My constituent Edward Vaughan-Jones' brother Robert, 2 Para, died at Warrenpoint in 1979. Some 42 years later, the family's wounds have not healed due to repeated investigations and a lack of conclusion. Can my right hon. Friend outline when Mr Vaughan-Jones will receive a conclusive report on his brother's death so that he can finally have some sense of closure?
My deepest sympathies are with the family. We are determined to provide answers through information recovery processes, resolving issues soon.
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Assessment & feedback
While expressing commitment, he did not provide a specific timeline or assurance beyond restating previous commitments without new details.
Response accuracy