Clonoe Inquest

Baroness Suttie Excerpts

Wednesday 12th February 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness in Waiting/Government Whip (Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent) (Lab)]

I thank the noble Lord for his remarks. We owe a huge debt to our Armed Forces, the vast majority of whom served in Northern Ireland with distinction and many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice in doing so. The findings of the independent coroner are being considered by the Ministry of Defence, including next steps that I cannot comment on. The matters that happened last week are clearly very important and require very careful reflection. Having said that, we do appreciate the anger and hurt that is being felt by many in Northern Ireland, especially this week of all weeks, given the anniversaries which we are currently reflecting upon.

However, with regard to the reinstatement of inquests, I will be very clear with the noble Lord: I believe that the people of Northern Ireland deserve exactly the same rights as the people of Great Britian. Reinstating civil cases and inquests for the people of Northern Ireland so that they have the same rights as you and me is what we are delivering, and we are making sure that we do so in a lawful way.

[Baroness Suttie (LD)]

My Lords, the violence carried out by the IRA was utterly abhorrent and inflicted deep suffering on communities across Northern Ireland. In dealing with the legacy of the past, it is vital to have trust and transparency in the process. Does the Minister acknowledge that the continuing lack of legal certainty regarding the repeal of the legacy Act is currently adding to a lack of trust in the process? Will she commit to bringing forward the legislation to revoke the legacy Act by Easter?

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

My Lords, I totally agree with the noble Baroness’s comments, especially with regard to the appalling actions that we saw in the terrorist atrocities that happened during the Troubles. Over 3,000 people were killed by terrorists. This week, we mark far too many anniversaries of those who were brutally and outrageously murdered.

We owe it to the people of Northern Ireland and all those affected by the Troubles to ensure that they have a legacy programme that is legal and compliant, and gives them what they need in terms of next steps, answers and a level of justice, whatever that looks like for them. We need to make sure that we do this with as much support as possible—which, candidly, the previous Government failed to do. Therefore, there is a balance here to ensure that we have the appropriate engagement so that the legislation will work and has support. We are currently undertaking the engagement exercise. The remedial order to ensure that the parts of the legislation that are not legally compatible is being dealt with, and we will all be debating it on 26 February. On the primary legislation, as many of us who were here until 1 am this morning know, time is challenging in this place. We will bring forward the legislation as soon as parliamentary time allows.