Source · Select Committees · Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Acknowledged
NIO’s pre-announcement consultation strategy for Joint Framework generated significant criticism and distrust.
Conclusion
The NIO’s consultation and communications strategy prior to the announcement of the Joint Framework attracted criticism from families, victims-survivors and others. The contents of the Joint Framework and the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill may be interpreted by those who raised such concerns as evidence that Ministers were listening, but this does not make up entirely for the frustration, distrust and scepticism that some people experienced along the way. (Conclusion, Paragraph 19)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges past criticisms regarding consultation by stating it has been informed by significant stakeholder engagement and will continue to engage openly and closely with all parties as the Troubles Bill progresses.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
In the 18 months since the General Election, the Government has been informed and guided by the many stakeholders with whom we have conducted significant engagement. We have been listening, and the measures that we have brought forward, primarily via the Troubles Bill, seek to reflect what we have been told by them. As I have stated on a number of occasions, given the range of perspectives held by so many people, it is always going to be impossible to deliver an approach that provides everybody with everything that they want. The Government will, however, continue to engage closely with all interested parties, including the Committee, as the Troubles Bill continues its parliamentary passage, and to consider how it can be improved. That engagement will take place in a spirit of openness, as we consider suggestions on how to further improve the current draft of the Bill that many have already recognised as a fundamental improvement on the flawed Legacy Act of the previous Government. While we cannot please everybody, it is absolutely vital—for victims and survivors, for those who served, and for wider society in Northern Ireland—that we act, and that we will continue to do our utmost to get this right so that the families who have waited for so long for answers may finally find them.