Select committee: Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Conclusion 2
Third Report: Addressing the Legacy of Northern Ireland’s Past: the Government’s New Proposals (Interim Report)
Published 26 Oct 2020
Paragraph 6
Addressed to Northern Ireland Executive; Northern Ireland Office
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Addressing the Legacy of Northern Ireland’s past: The UK Government's New Proposals All items in this report Report on parliament.uk ↗ Inquiry on parliament.uk ↗
Conclusion (the committee's words)
Too many key questions remain regarding how the proposed new institution would operate and function. It is deeply worrying that since 18 March, when the Government announced its new legacy proposals, it has been unable to provide any further policy detail. While covid-19 has presented a challenge across government, policy development has continued across Whitehall, and the Northern Ireland Office has digital platforms to facilitate its work. The information lacuna is especially regrettable given the sensitivity of the issues and the period since many of the events occurred. Delay and uncertainty perpetuate an unacceptable situation that has already gone on too long.
From: Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, Third Report: Addressing the Legacy of Northern Ireland’s Past: the Government’s New Proposals (Interim Report) (HC 329), paragraph 6, 26 October 2020
Government response
The government responded to the whole report on 18 January 2021.
Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.The government says there is room for further constructive dialogue but also "a number of key issues on which we are in agreement" with the Committee, and it commits to continued engagement on legacy reform.
- On information recovery, the government welcomes the Committee's conclusions, says it believes "it is right to focus on information recovery", and says it "carefully considers all options" so any process is "fit for purpose". It "notes" the suggestion that it learn lessons from Operation Kenova.
- On veterans, it welcomes the Committee's recognition that decoupling Northern Ireland legacy issues from the Overseas Operations Bill is right, and says it will deliver on its commitments to NI veterans "as part of a wider package".
- On engagement, it is "in complete agreement" with the Committee that consultation with victims' groups, Northern Ireland parties and, to the extent necessary, the Irish Government should be transparent and meaningful.
- It makes no dated commitment, but says it will intensify engagement with key stakeholders going into the new year and share further details of its proposals "in due course".