Ballymurphy Inquest Findings

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle Excerpts

Monday 17th May 2021 Lords Chamber

[Viscount Younger of Leckie (Con)]

It is true that there are a lot of challenges and difficulties because of the time that has passed, and the noble Lord makes some extremely good points about those challenges. As I said earlier, this is a very sensitive, challenging and difficult matter. I reiterate that, in order to go forward, we must continue to bring with us as many groups as we possibly can in Northern Ireland, to liaise with the Irish Government, and to bring on board victims’ groups, civic society and the rest in what we need to do.

[Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (GP) [V]]

My Lords, will the Government learn from the reception of this apology—the rightful and understandable upset of the families of the innocent Ballymurphy victims, who heard that it was going to be delivered from journalists and who were not consulted on its contents—which was not delivered by the Prime Minister personally, in future apologies relating to events all around these islands? Will they take further steps to support the families of the Ballymurphy victims and acknowledge their disappointment at the way the apology was delivered?

[Viscount Younger of Leckie (Con)]

I believe that I have already addressed, in several answers, the matter of the apology.