Northern Ireland: Legacy of the Troubles
Debate between Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent and Lord Eames
Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)
I will take this opportunity to thank the noble Lord for his service. I can only imagine the things he saw when he served. The support that he and all colleagues in Northern Ireland, as dedicated public servants, have provided to families who were touched by the Troubles, as many of them have been, shows a level of public service that very few of the rest of us have ever had to experience. It puts them in a class above and we are grateful for everything that they have done to support people.
On what was on the radio this morning, it will not surprise noble Lords to hear that I have been taking a particular interest in the media of Northern Ireland for a while—but definitely in the last 24 hours, to see the response. As was said, everything to do with legacy is so emotive that it becomes very challenging. Nothing is more complex than next steps, but our response is to make sure that we engage as broadly as possible with all members of the community.
On the Finucane public inquiry, delivering a public inquiry was a solemn commitment made by the last Labour Government, which is why we have fulfilled our commitment. We did that post the Good Friday agreement, and it does not suggest that other arrangements cannot and will not provide a level of closure and information for noble Lords. That is why we want to strengthen ICRIR for the families.
Lord Eames (CB)
My Lords, much of what we have heard in the last hour or so has not come as a surprise to many of us. I am reminded of a phone message I received from Northern Ireland early this morning, from one of the families that I have been literally living with since they were faced with the tragedy of a murder in the Troubles. Speaking as the former archbishop who led so many of the clergy during the Troubles, I say that my clergy have often heard good words, promising much and never being able to deliver.
I speak from my heart—I did not intend to contribute today because we have heard it all before, but I will just put into words what many people listening to this debate in Northern Ireland would say: “We have heard it all before”. We have heard the promises. We have heard the good intentions. We do not doubt the morality of those who say these things, but we plead with those who have the political power to deliver now, at the 11th hour: “Please back up your words with actions”. I am still dealing with the children of those whom I buried; I am still dealing with the children of families that will never be the same again; and I am still in touch with those who served in the forces of the Crown during the Troubles, at great personal cost. I reassure the House that they are listening today, yet again, to wonderful words and promises. I beg you, “Back up your words with actions”.
Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)
The noble and right reverend Lord speaks much more eloquently than I ever could. There is very little that I can say to him that has not been said before at this Dispatch Box and in this building. All I can do is ask for his indulgence, and that of the community, while we try to find a way forward so that we can truly, finally, deliver a pathway through based on truth and justice for those people affected by the Troubles. I ask him to give us a little more time so that we can deliver for them and with them, and not to them.