Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023: Replacement

Wednesday 21 May 2025 · 1 question

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

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Greg Smith questioned the Secretary of State about the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 replacement legislation.
  • The Secretary of State stated a commitment to introducing new legislation as soon as parliamentary time allows.
  • The Secretary of State confirmed having read the report referred to in the questioning.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Context

The question follows previous exchanges about the inadequacies of the current legislation. The MP references a report by Policy Exchange that highlights concerns for veterans.

Question

I listened carefully to the answers the Secretary of State gave just now to the shadow Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Alex Burghart), and to my right hon. Friend the Member for Goole and Pocklington (David Davis). The Secretary of State must understand the severe anxiety, particularly for our veterans, caused by not having a timescale on this matter. Will he at least commit to putting in place a deadline? Will he also take seriously the findings of the Policy Exchange report?

Answer from Hilary Benn (Secretary of State for Northern Ireland)

I listen carefully to all the representations that are made to me, including in that report, which I have read. I am committed to introducing legislation as soon as possible, although that is subject to the availability of parliamentary time.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP asked for a specific deadline but only received a commitment contingent on parliamentary time availability.

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