Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Northern Ireland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Julian Lewis Excerpts
Wednesday 5th February 2020

(4 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Julian Smith Portrait Julian Smith
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What I have said is that we are going to deliver on the commitment of ending vexatious claims against our armed forces and police officers. I have also said that I will discuss with all Northern Ireland parties how we will deliver on all aspects of the “New Decade, New Approach” document.

Julian Lewis Portrait Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con)
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Following on from that answer, can the Secretary of State confirm that the specific assurances given on Armistice Day last year about the ending of repeat investigations in the absence of compelling new evidence is entirely compatible with the restoration of devolved government and all that that entails?

Julian Smith Portrait Julian Smith
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I thank my right hon. Friend for all his work in this area. I was reading his Defence Committee’s 2017 report again at the weekend. I confirm that we can deliver on the Prime Minister’s and the Government’s priority of ending vexatious claims against our armed forces and the police, and we can deliver for victims and survivors in Northern Ireland.