Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Legacy of the Troubles

Wednesday 27 October 2021 · 6 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 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government is committed to providing legislative proposals to address Northern Ireland legacy issues as per their manifesto.
  • The Secretary of State has engaged with various stakeholders including veterans, victims, and political parties in Northern Ireland.
  • The Government aims to deliver legislative proposals this autumn to address the needs of both victims and veterans equally.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Northern Ireland Veterans
Context

The MP is concerned about unresolved issues from the Northern Ireland conflict and seeks legislative action.

Question

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?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary did not commit specifically to close engagement beyond restating previous commitments without new details.

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Q2 Simon Jupp
Northern Ireland Veterans
Context

The MP seeks assurance on the government's commitment to end vexatious claims against Northern Ireland veterans.

Question

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?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While expressing commitment, he did not directly commit to ending vexatious claims beyond restating previous pledges without new specifics.

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Q3 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Northern Ireland
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary did not commit specifically to continuing engagement without new details beyond restating previous commitments.

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Q4 Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford
Northern Ireland
Context

The MP is concerned about the delay in delivering legislation addressing Northern Ireland legacy issues despite previous promises.

Question

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?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While acknowledging engagement, he did not provide a specific timeline for the Bill beyond restating previous commitments.

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Q5 Tony Lloyd Lab
Northern Ireland
Context

The MP seeks clarity on which groups representing victims' families have agreed with the government's proposals.

Question

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?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary did not specify which victim groups support the proposals without providing concrete details.

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Q6 Sarah Atherton
Northern Ireland
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

My deepest sympathies are with the family. We are determined to provide answers through information recovery processes, resolving issues soon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: While expressing commitment, he did not provide a specific timeline or assurance beyond restating previous commitments without new details.

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