Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill

Debate between Conor Burns and Sarah Atherton

Committee stage
Wednesday 29th June 2022 Commons Chamber

[Conor Burns]

If my hon. Friend’s constituent has previously engaged in those mechanisms and there is no live inquiry or investigation into him, he has no obligation. If he is not being investigated for anything and there is no threat of prosecution to him, he would not have to come forward to this body. He is living his life without blemish and hopefully enjoying a happy retirement, reflecting on his life of service to our United Kingdom.

[Sarah Atherton (Wrexham) (Con)]

I am pleased to hear that my right hon. Friend is putting victims at the centre of this process. Robert, the brother of my constituent Mr Vaughan-Jones, was killed at Warrenpoint some 40 years ago. My constituent has had 40 years of unanswered questions, and he and his family now just want to move on. They want closure. How will this process help Mr Vaughan-Jones and his family eventually receive that closure?

[Conor Burns]

The central ambition of this legislation is to provide that closure.