Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Justice for Victims

Wednesday 7 September 2022 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Labour MP Dan Jarvis questioned the Minister about the impact of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill on victims' access to justice
  • The Minister acknowledged not having made an assessment of the Bill's impact and expressed the view that a criminal justice approach alone is insufficient
  • Dan Jarvis inquired if the work of Chief Constable Jon Boutcher on Operation Denton could continue regardless of the Bill's passage to provide answers to families

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Justice & Courts Northern Ireland
Context

The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill is under debate, addressing the legacy of the troubles in Northern Ireland. Members have raised concerns about its potential impact on victims' access to justice.

Question

What assessment has been made of the potential impact of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill on access to justice for victims?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. I am fairly new to my post so, to be honest, I have not actually made an assessment. The Government believe that an approach focused primarily on criminal justice outcomes will fail to deliver justice and information to the vast majority of those affected by the troubles. The legislation focuses on information recovery while ensuring indefinite liability for prosecution.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP requested a detailed assessment, but the answerer did not provide one, instead expressing unfamiliarity with the matter and reiterating government views without specifics.

How: I Am Fairly New To My Post So, To Be Honest, I Have Not Actually Made An Assessment

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Q2 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Justice & Courts
Context

Operation Denton is ongoing work conducted by Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, affecting 127 families who lost loved ones during the troubles in Northern Ireland. Members have expressed support for this initiative despite debates on the Bill.

Question

During the debates on the Bill, members paid tribute to and supported the work of Chief Constable Jon Boutcher conducting Operation Denton. Regardless of the bill's passage, I ask whether there is a way for that important work to continue so families can get answers they deserve.

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

I thank the hon. Gentleman for drawing my attention to that ongoing work. Of course, I will happily look at that work and come back to him, if I may.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP requested a commitment on continuing Operation Denton's work, but the answerer only committed to looking into it without providing any specific timeline or assurance.

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