Victims of the Troubles: Payment Scheme

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Excerpts

Monday 8th June 2020 Lords Chamber

[Viscount Younger of Leckie [V]]

We urge all parties, where there are any, to set aside their political differences, and one party has been mentioned in this respect. We are quite clear that this is a matter for the Northern Ireland Executive to take forward, and that is because the UK Government have taken forward legislation and done as much as we can, and rightly so, to meet our obligations. It is now up to the Executive.

[Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Non-Afl) [V]]

My Lords, will the Minister confirm whether the discussions that the Secretary of State is having with the political parties of Northern Ireland are nearing completion and the possibility of a result? Will he also confirm that it is Sinn Féin that is blocking the statement?

[Viscount Younger of Leckie [V]]

I cannot tell the noble Baroness how close we are to agreement; in fact I have no information to give the noble Baroness on this. I can only reiterate that the Secretary of State is well exercised over this issue and is working as hard as possible to knock heads together and take the matter forward.