Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Pat Finucane

11 November 2020 · 8 other contributors · 8,852 words

Opened by Colum Eastwood Social Democratic & Labour Party Foyle

Responding minister: Robin Walker

Northern IrelandStandards & Ethics

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Colum Eastwood raised concerns about pat finucane in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Mr Eastwood expressed deep concern over the 1989 murder of Pat Finucane, citing collusion by British state agents.
  • Mr Eastwood urged the Government to uphold commitments from Weston Park negotiations and Supreme Court rulings for an article 2 compliant investigation.
  • The Minister acknowledged the debate and noted the Supreme Court's declaration that the state had not discharged its obligation to conduct an article 2 compliant investigation into Finucane's death.

Key requests to Government

Mr Eastwood urged the Government to uphold their commitments from Weston Park negotiations and Supreme Court rulings, calling for an article 2 compliant investigation into Pat Finucane's case to achieve truth and justice. He implored the Government to live up to its promises made to the family of Pat Finucane.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Colum Eastwood Social Democratic & Labour Party Foyle

Mr Eastwood expressed deep concern about the murder of human rights solicitor Pat Finucane in 1989, highlighting collusion by British state agents. He mentioned that Brian Nelson was a force research unit agent linked to loyalist paramilitaries, and two gunmen involved in the murder were RUC agents, revealing 'shocking levels' of collusion according to former Prime Minister David Cameron. Mr Eastwood also noted that Judge Cory recommended a public inquiry based on evidence of collusion.

Other contributors (8)
  • Alex Sobel Lab Co-op Leeds Central and Headingley

    I was a witness to the Macpherson inquiry on Stephen Lawrence, which fundamentally changed police practices in the UK. Shining light on the Pat Finucane case similarly could transform policing and security service practices.

  • Conor McGinn Lab St Helens North

    The MP expressed support for a full public inquiry into Pat Finucane's murder, highlighting the case's significance due to state involvement and planning of murder. He acknowledged the dignity and dedication of Geraldine Finucane in her pursuit of justice. McGinn also shared personal anecdotes about victims from his constituency, emphasizing the need for truth, justice, and remembrance.

  • Hannah Bardell SNP Dunbartonshire East

    Called for antibacterial wipes to be used and disposed of properly, advising Members to clean their microphones and work area before leaving. Read a statement regarding the sub judice rules for Northern Ireland cases.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon expressed condolences to the families affected by violence in Northern Ireland, including the Finucane family and relatives of Kenneth Smyth and Lexie Cummings. He highlighted the need for justice for all victims and argued against creating different levels of mourning or giving preferential treatment to certain cases over others.

  • Kevin Brennan Lab Cardiff West

    Mr Brennan expressed the importance of representing nationalist viewpoints in Northern Ireland and highlighted the necessity for state involvement not to hinder the truth discovery about Patrick Finucane's murder. He argued that the state collusion was evident from Lord Stevens, Judge Cory's reports and former Prime Minister David Cameron's statements. He cited 20 months since the Supreme Court ruling that inquiries into Mr Finucane's death were unlawful under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Mr Brennan asked how the Secretary of State's decision on a public inquiry for Pat Finucane would be made public, suggesting it could take the form of a statement to the House.

  • Louise Haigh Lab Sheffield Heeley

    Ms Haigh highlighted the need for a public inquiry into Pat Finucane's murder, emphasizing that it is part of broader efforts to deliver truth and justice for victims of Northern Ireland's Troubles. She noted that none of the previous investigations met legal standards as per article 2 of the European convention on human rights and argued that an independent inquiry remains the only way forward. She urged the Government to engage in consensus-building underpinned by mechanisms from the Stormont House agreement.

  • Mary Foy Lab City of Durham

    She urged the Secretary of State to order a public inquiry into Pat Finucane's murder, emphasizing that collusion involving state agents has already been established. She called for justice and truth for victims' families who have experienced secrecy, delay, and cover-ups in seeking information about their loved ones.

  • Stephanie Peacock Lab Barnsley South

    She congratulated the hon. Member for Foyle on securing the debate and expressed her belief that a full public inquiry into Pat Finucane's murder is necessary to uphold the rule of law, address public concern, and deliver justice to victims' families. She highlighted Judge Cory's recommendation for a public inquiry due to flaws in the system and mentioned the ongoing investigations by Operation Kenova.

Government Response

Robin Walker

I am grateful for your chairmanship, Ms Bardell. Congratulations on taking the Chair. I thank all hon. Members who have spoken in this powerful debate... As we have heard, following judicial review proceedings the Supreme Court made a declaration that the state had not discharged its obligation to conduct an article 2 compliant investigation into the death of Mr Finucane; however, the court stopped short of ordering a full public inquiry... A number of Members raised concerns about progress on wider legacy reform. I reiterate the Government's commitment to addressing the legacy of the troubles in a way that focuses on reconciliation, delivers for victims and ends the cycle of reinvestigations that has failed victims and veterans alike.

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