Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to his speech of 7 September 2024, entitled A new chapter in the UK-Ireland relationship, when he plans to set out his plans to increase the independence of the Independent Commission on Reconciliation and Information Recovery.

The High Court found the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) to be independent and capable of conducting human rights compliant investigations. The recent Court of Appeal judgment also recognised the structural independence of the ICRIR, while making declarations of incompatibility with the ECHR which the government is currently considering.

I have committed to exploring measures to further strengthen the ICRIR’s independence, and am consulting widely, including with victims, survivors and families, on a practical way forward that can command the broadest support.