Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Magdalene Laundries

Wednesday 21 July 2021 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Chris Matheson asked about recent discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive regarding the research report on Magdalene Laundries, and the UK Government mentioned discussions and the appointment of an expert panel in March.
  • Liz Twist inquired about the confidence given to victims that politicians will address the injustice they suffered, and the response highlighted the delivery of the Historical Institutional Abuse Act 2019 to help victims.
  • Jim Shannon asked for assurance that all investigations include consultation with survivors of mother and baby homes, and the response stated that the Victims and Survivors Service is working to involve victims in processes and identify their support needs.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Matheson Lab
Northern Ireland
Context

The research report published in January 2021 highlighted the abuse suffered by women and children in mother and baby homes and Magdalene Laundries in Northern Ireland over six decades.

Question

What recent discussions have been had with the Northern Ireland Executive regarding the research report “Mother and Baby Homes and Magdalene Laundries in Northern Ireland”, published in January 2021?

Answer from Robin Walker

Although this is a devolved issue, the Government have discussed work on an independent investigation promised to victims. An expert panel has been appointed in March to establish terms of reference for the investigation. The UK Government are committed to working closely with the Executive to help victims and their families.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked about recent discussions, but the answer did not specify any concrete details or timelines for these discussions.

How: Under Way, Work On

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Q2 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Justice & Courts Northern Ireland Standards & Ethics
Context

The University of Ulster and Queen's University conducted a report revealing heart-wrenching abuse suffered by women and girls over six decades in Northern Ireland.

Question

What confidence can the Minister give to victims that politicians across these islands will do everything possible to address the staggering injustice they suffered?

Answer from Robin Walker

The Government understand the importance of ensuring that those individuals who suffered abuse receive recognition and answers. The UK Government delivered the Historical Institutional Abuse (Northern Ireland) Act 2019 to help secure a redress scheme for victims, and work on an independent investigation is under way.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner sought confidence that politicians would do everything possible, but the answer only mentioned past actions without addressing future commitments.

How: Right, Under Way

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Q3 Chris Matheson Lab
Justice & Courts Standards & Ethics
Context

The research report revealed painful neglect and abuse suffered by girls as young as 12 in mother and baby homes and Magdalene Laundries in Northern Ireland over six decades.

Question

What confidence can Ministers provide that the lived experience of victims will be heard clearly, and necessary support provided from Westminster?

Answer from Robin Walker

The Government acknowledge the shocking findings of the report and understand work is under way on an independent investigation. We want to ensure this issue is followed up effectively, but we await the outcome of their work in the devolved space.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked for confidence that victim voices will be heard clearly, but the answer only acknowledged the importance without providing specific assurances.

How: Follow Up Effectively, Await

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Q4 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Standards & Ethics Children & Families
Context

Mother and baby homes have had long-lasting impacts on victims and their families, causing real hurt and trauma.

Question

Can the Minister ensure that all investigations include consultation with survivors of mother and baby homes? Will no further action be taken without full involvement and permission?

Answer from Robin Walker

The Government recognise the importance of ensuring victims are involved in any investigative or review processes. The Victims and Survivors Service is working with victims to identify support needs, including a dedicated website and phone line for participation in the co-design process.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked if the Minister could ensure full involvement, but the answer only confirmed ongoing work without providing specific commitments.

How: Stand Ready To Support

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Q5 Alex Davies-Jones Lab Pontypridd
Justice & Courts
Context

A recent report revealed neglect and abuse suffered by over 14,000 women in mother and baby homes in Northern Ireland.

Question

Does the Minister agree that the inquiry must be effective, robust, and meet the needs of victims who have waited too long for justice?

Answer from Robin Walker

I absolutely agree that any support we can provide is available. The panel making progress swiftly is important to ensure victims receive acknowledgement and answers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The questioner asked for agreement on the robustness of the inquiry, but the answer only reiterated a commitment without providing specific details or timelines.

How: Swiftly, Stand Ready

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