Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act: Repeal

Wednesday 24 July 2024 · 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 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government are committed to repealing and replacing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023.
  • The right hon. Gentleman is happy to keep the House informed and report on his plans for achieving consensus in Northern Ireland.
  • The Government will consult veteran organisations as part of the consultation process to ensure protection in any future legislation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
Northern Ireland
Context

The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 has faced criticism for its approach to resolving legacy issues from the conflict.

Question

What steps are being taken to repeal and replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023?

Answer from Hilary Benn

The Government are committed to repealing and replacing the legacy Act. This involves scrapping conditional immunity, allowing troubles-era inquests and civil claims to resume, and consulting with all interested parties to obtain support from victims and survivors while complying with human rights obligations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify a timeline or exact plan for repeal and replacement.

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Q2 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Northern Ireland
Context

There are concerns about delays affecting victims' families seeking closure on legacy issues.

Question

Will the right hon. Gentleman set out a timeline and plan for achieving consensus in Northern Ireland, and agree to update the House when this plan is ready?

Answer from Hilary Benn

I am happy to keep the House informed and report on my plans. The independent commission will remain open for business, with Sir Declan Morgan approached by families seeking answers. I met Sir Declan yesterday to discuss how this work can be taken forward.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific timeline or plan.

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Q3 Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
Veterans
Context

Concerns about elderly veterans facing vexatious legal action in the future.

Question

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure veterans that any future legislation will protect them from vexatious legal action?

Answer from Hilary Benn

I undertake to consult veteran organisations as part of the consultation process set out for the House. I pay tribute to their work during the troubles and commit to protection in any future legislation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify how future legislation will protect veterans from legal actions.

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Q4 Carla Lockhart DUP Upper Bann
Northern Ireland Foreign Affairs
Context

The Act faces opposition from the Irish Government who refuse to deal with allegations of state collusion with Provisional IRA.

Question

Will he outline discussions with victim groups and assure no pandering to those accused as victim makers? What engagement is there with the Irish Government on long-awaited public inquiry into Omagh bombing?

Answer from Hilary Benn

I met Micheál Martin early after my appointment, discussing hope for a way forward that might lead to withdrawal of the interstate case. I will engage with victim groups as committed, ensuring it works for victims' families in the end.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specifics on discussions or engagement plans.

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