Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Troubles-related Crime

Wednesday 8 February 2023 · 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 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK Government committed to delivering better outcomes for those affected by the troubles through the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill.
  • Government engaging constructively with victims' groups and addressing key issues through amendments to the Bill.
  • Court ruling identified four areas where the Government was lacking, leading to the establishment of a public inquiry for the Omagh bombing.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jack Lopresti Con
Justice & Courts Northern Ireland
Context

The Northern Ireland Troubles have caused numerous crimes, and the government is expected to address these issues.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to support people affected by troubles-related crimes. The questioner seeks specific actions being taken or planned by the department to help victims of such crimes.

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The UK Government are committed to delivering better outcomes for those most affected by the troubles, while helping society in general to look forward. The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill will establish an independent body to conduct reviews into troubles-related deaths and serious injuries.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps being taken or planned were not detailed

How: Commitment Without Specifics

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Q2 Jack Lopresti Con
Northern Ireland
Context

The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill is under consideration, addressing concerns raised by victims, families, and survivors.

Question

My right hon. Friend has always been clear that he will engage constructively with victims' groups and listen to concerns that they may have about the Bill. What unresolved issues will be addressed as the Bill proceeds through Parliament?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

My hon. Friend correctly highlights the significant engagement of the whole of my ministerial team, myself included, with many interested parties. We have listened to concerns and tabled amendments addressing key issues including ECHR compliance, strengthening the commission's independence, sanctions for misleading the commission, and stronger incentives for individuals to engage.

Answered
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Q3 Paul Girvan DUP
Northern Ireland
Context

The announcement about the Omagh bombing public inquiry raises concerns about the approach towards justice for those involved in planning and constructing the bomb.

Question

In light of the announcement about the Omagh bombing public inquiry, will the same focus be put on getting justice for those people who constructed, planned and planted, as opposed to a witch hunt against those who have potentially had a dereliction of duty?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

Everybody in this House knows that it was dissident republican terrorists who planted the Omagh bomb. Justice needs to be found there. However, a court ruling identified four areas where the Government were lacking and led to the establishment of a public inquiry.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific focus on justice for planners/constructors was not detailed

How: Changing Subject

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