Public Prosecution Service and Legacy in Northern Ireland

Rosie Winterton Excerpts

Thursday 13th January 2022 Commons Chamber

Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn.—(Rebecca Harris.)

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton)]

Before I call the hon. Member for Plymouth, Moor View (Johnny Mercer), I wish to make a short statement.

I am exercising the discretion given to the Chair in respect of the resolution on matters of sub judice to extend the waiver granted for proceedings in July to allow limited reference to active legal proceedings and open inquests in relation to the historic troubles-related deaths. As before, reference to those cases should be limited to the context and to the events that led to the cases, but Members should not refer to the detail of cases or to the names of those involved in them. All Members should, however, be mindful of the matters that may be the subject of future legal proceedings and should exercise caution in making reference to individual cases.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Francois]

You have already broken multiple deadlines —we don’t believe you!

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton)]

Order. That is unacceptable. Minister, there are five seconds left.

[Conor Burns]

My right hon. Friend is obviously and rightly angry—

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton)]

I am sorry—

[Conor Burns]

I hope we will mollify him when we bring forward the Bill.

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Rosie Winterton)]

Order.