Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Troubles-related Crime

Wednesday 22 March 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 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill will establish an independent body for reviews
  • The Government have conducted over 60 engagements with groups and individuals affected by the troubles
  • The Secretary of State is committed to proposing further amendments to address issues raised by stakeholders

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mark Fletcher
Northern Ireland
Context

The question pertains to the steps being taken by the government to assist individuals impacted by Northern Ireland Troubles. It specifically mentions the complexity and sensitivity of legacy issues.

Question

What steps is his Department taking to support people affected by troubles-related crimes? Legacy is an extremely complex and sensitive issue. In setting up an effective information recovery process, we must ensure that power is in the hands of victims and their families rather than the perpetrators. What consultations have the Department had with victims and their families, to ensure that the right balance is achieved?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill will establish an independent body for reviews. The Government have had over 60, nearly 70, engagements with groups and individuals, meeting people regularly to ensure mechanisms deliver better outcomes for those affected by the troubles.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific details of consultations and power balance were not fully addressed.

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Q2 Mark Fletcher
Northern Ireland
Context

The question addresses the need for power to be in the hands of victims and their families, emphasizing the complexity and sensitivity of legacy issues.

Question

What consultations have the Department had with victims and their families, to ensure that the right balance is achieved?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

The Government are determined to deliver mechanisms for better outcomes for those affected by the troubles. Over 60, nearly 70, engagements with groups and individuals have been conducted, including regular meetings with stakeholders.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specifics on consultations or balance of power.

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Q3 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Northern Ireland
Context

The question concerns the possibility of changes in approach to the Legacy Bill should it face rejection by Northern Ireland's political parties.

Question

If the changes are not enough and all Northern Ireland parties vote against it again on its return to the House, will the Secretary of State commit to a different approach?

Answer from Chris Heaton-Harris

We have tabled amendments addressing key issues raised by stakeholders, including compliance with the European convention on human rights and strengthening the commission's independence. More such amendments will be proposed on Report, aiming for consensus.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to a different approach if changes fail.

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