Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Northern Ireland Legacy Matters

Wednesday 27 April 2022 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions on Northern Ireland legacy matters include the need for legislative proposals due to the failure of the current process.
  • Dan Jarvis expressed support for the Secretary of State's position that the current system for dealing with the past is failing victims and those who served.
  • Carla Lockhart highlighted the sacrifices made by members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the importance of recognizing the difference between those who protected life and those involved in conflict.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Northern Ireland
Context

Discussions about the legislative proposals on Northern Ireland's past are aimed at addressing the failure of the current process to deliver justice and answers for victims.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on his legislative proposals on Northern Ireland legacy matters? The consensus is historically difficult to achieve in Northern Ireland but when it comes to dealing with the past, I am sure that we can all agree that the current process is failing those who have suffered. We need a new way of delivering justice and soon. Does he agree that his Bill or any proposals must not weaken or undermine our commitment to international law?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

I agree with the hon. Gentleman and I appreciate his support on a point that I have made consistently: the current system is failing everybody. That is why we need to bring forward proposals that work for the people of Northern Ireland, for the victims as well as those who served so admirably in Northern Ireland to protect life and country. I can assure him that we are absolutely determined that this will be article 2-compliant.

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Q2 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Northern Ireland
Context

Discussions about the legislative proposals on Northern Ireland's past are aimed at addressing the failure of the current process to deliver justice and answers for victims.

Question

Consensus is historically difficult to achieve in Northern Ireland but when it comes to dealing with the past I am sure that we can all agree that the current process is failing those who have suffered, so we need a new way of delivering justice, and soon. Does the Secretary of State agree that his Bill or any proposals he brings forward must not in any way weaken or undermine our commitment to international law?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

I agree with the hon. Gentleman and I appreciate his support on a point that I have made consistently: the current system is failing everybody. That is why we need to bring forward proposals that work for the people of Northern Ireland, for the victims as well as those who served so admirably in Northern Ireland to protect life and country. I can assure him that we are absolutely determined that this will be article 2-compliant.

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Q3 Carla Lockhart DUP Upper Bann
Northern Ireland Veterans
Context

A report by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has caused great hurt among former Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) officers and families who lost loved ones, due to its innuendo-laden content.

Question

The sacrifice made by members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary is one that I and many across Northern Ireland will never forget. Over 300 officers were killed and 9,000 injured at the hands mainly of the IRA. A recent report by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland laden with innuendo has caused great hurt among former RUC officers and families who lost loved ones. Will the Secretary of State ensure that the service and sacrifice of the RUC, the Ulster Defence Regiment and all those who donned a uniform are not besmirched under the auspices of addressing the legacy of the past?

Answer from Brandon Lewis

Yes, absolutely. The hon. Lady makes a very important point. There are so many people—hundreds of thousands—who across the RUC and the armed forces put their own lives at risk to protect others, and there is a huge difference between those who went out every day to protect life and those who went out determined to destroy lives. There can never be a moral equivalence; we would never accept one.

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