Oral Answers to Questions

Desmond Swayne Excerpts

Wednesday 26th February 2025 Commons Chamber

[Fleur Anderson]

I agree that the Windsor framework is a big improvement on the protocol. We are committed to implementing it at the same time as seeking to negotiate an SPS agreement that would provide further improvements in the movement of agrifood products, and we must pave the way to that by resetting our relationship with the EU and implementing the Windsor framework in good faith.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

6. What steps he plans to take to replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023.

[Mr Gagan Mohindra (South West Hertfordshire) (Con)]

11. What steps he plans to take to replace the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023.

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)]

The approach to legacy taken by the last Government was wrong. It caused immense pain to victims and survivors, and in many respects has been found to be unlawful. In December I laid a proposal for a draft remedial order to address the human rights deficiencies in the Act that had been identified by the courts, and when parliamentary time allows, I will introduce primary legislation to reinstate legacy inquests halted by the Act and to reform and strengthen the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.

[Sir Desmond Swayne]

Why did the Secretary of State abandon the appeal in Dillon and Ors?

[Hilary Benn]

Because sections 46 and 47 of the Act were found to be unlawful, and, as the right hon. Gentleman will be aware, the case that gave rise to the attempt to deal with the problem through those sections that have now been found to be unlawful arose from a Supreme Court judgment in 2020. For two and a bit years, the last Government were unable to find a solution.