Northern Ireland: Legacy of the Troubles Debate

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Department: Northern Ireland Office

Northern Ireland: Legacy of the Troubles

Baroness Suttie Excerpts
Tuesday 7th May 2024

(7 months, 2 weeks ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Caine Portrait Lord Caine (Con)
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I thank the noble Baroness for her question. As I said in an earlier answer, the High Court in Belfast found that the legislation is compatible with human rights law in respect of independence and the ability to carry out effective investigations. To take her point about disclosure, the disclosure provisions offer the prospect of better outcomes than current mechanisms.

Baroness Suttie Portrait Baroness Suttie (LD)
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My Lords, does the Minister accept that the ongoing uncertainty caused by the Government’s appeal against the High Court ruling on immunity is merely prolonging the pain and uncertainty for victims and their families who have already waited so long for justice?

Lord Caine Portrait Lord Caine (Con)
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The noble Baroness will not be surprised to hear that I do not agree. The commission, as she knows, became fully operational last week and is now proceeding with its work under the distinguished leadership of Sir Declan Morgan, the former Lord Chief Justice, and Peter Sheridan, a former senior police officer.