Clause 7 - Exemption from arrest etc.
Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill
10:30 am
Jeffrey M Donaldson (Lagan Valley, DUP)
I have checked the proposals that were published in the annexe to the joint declaration at Hillsborough in 2003, but I cannot see spelled out in detail the restrictions that clause 7 places on the police. The annexe states simply that the defendant, or applicant in this case,
“would be able to plead not guilty and ... instruct a defence to be mounted. The Special Judicial Tribunal would not have the power to remand in custody.”
It does not specify the restrictions that the Government seek to impose on the police.