Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill

Wednesday 14 December 2022 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government announced intentions to introduce amendments reflecting significant engagement with victims and community leaders
  • Proposed changes aim to tighten the Bill in regard to protagonist engagement, avoiding moral equivalence and language of glorification
  • Government amendments will confirm the establishment of an independent commission by legislation and allow for prosecution of false information providers

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Northern Ireland
Context

The questioner inquires about recent discussions with victims of Troubles-related offences and community leaders regarding the Bill.

Question

What recent discussions have you had with victims of Troubles-related offences and community leaders concerning the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

On the Bill's Second Reading in the other place, the Government announced their intention to introduce amendments in a number of key areas. These proposed changes reflect what we have heard from significant engagement with victims and survivors and their representatives, as well as community leaders and other stakeholders.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify exact details or dates of recent discussions with victims and community leaders

How: Reflected What We Have Heard, Engagement

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Q2 James Sunderland
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

The questioner seeks assurance that amendments to the Bill will tighten it up, ensuring full engagement with truth and reconciliation processes.

Question

Can you confirm that the legacy Bill will be tightened before returning to this place, specifically in regard to protagonist engagement, moral equivalence avoidance, and language of glorification?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

I can give my hon. Friend assurances of that type. That is why we proposed changes set out by my ministerial colleague on Second Reading in the other place, which include sanctions for those who refuse to co-operate or wilfully mislead.

Answered
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Q3 Sarah Atherton
Justice & Courts
Context

The questioner seeks a conclusive report timeline for the family of Robert Vaughan-Jones who died in Warrenpoint during the Troubles.

Question

Will Mr Vaughan-Jones receive a conclusive report about his brother's death so that he can finally have closure?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The Bill's information recovery process will be supported by comprehensive investigative powers and full state disclosure, providing families with a fast route to as full an account as possible about what happened to their loved ones and closure, where that is possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific timeframe or assurance on conclusive report delivery for the family

How: Fast Route To As Full An Account

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Q4 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Crime & Law Enforcement Democracy & Elections
Context

The questioner acknowledges the Secretary of State's visit to Omagh bombing memorial garden and seeks further engagement strategies with victims.

Question

Despite intentions to work closely with victims, there are still concerns from various victim groups. Can you outline what will be done now to ensure involvement of victims in this Bill?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

Government amendments will be tabled that confirm the independent commission's establishment by legislation, ensuring criminal investigations can proceed where appropriate and individuals providing false information may face prosecution. We are continuing talks with groups and individuals regarding these areas of improvement for the Bill.

Answered
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