Source · Select Committees · Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
2nd Report – The Government's new approach to addressing the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
HC 586
Published 1 December 2025
Recommendations
7
Rejected
Address concerns about the Bill’s narrow definition of “close family member” and case exclusions.
Recommendation
The Government must address concerns about the Bill’s narrow definition of “close family member,” which may exclude relatives who often play a key role in pursuing information decades after incidents occurred. Ministers must also consider the merits of ensuring that …
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Government Response Summary
The government defended its current definition of 'close family member' but committed to continue engaging and considering alternative views. It also defended the definition of 'serious physical or mental harm', citing other Bill provisions for referral where the harm definition is not met.
Northern Ireland Office
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21
Rejected
PSNI's obligation to classify sensitive information creates an unfunded administrative burden.
Recommendation
We recognise the fundamental importance of balancing information disclosure with national security issues. Someone has to strike that balance. The Government did not undertake that role under the previous “Package of Measures” for investigating Troubles-related cases, nor does it under …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejects the suggestion of introducing a merits-based appeal against ministerial decisions on information disclosure, stating that decisions will be subject to appeal on judicial review principles and upholding the Executive's primacy in national security.
Northern Ireland Office
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