Clause 3 - Certificates of eligibility
Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill
10:30 am
David Hanson (Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office; Delyn, Labour)
Anything is theoretically possible, but it is the job of the police to determine such things. To describe someone as a Walter Mitty figure is to presume that that individual is fantasising about having participated in an event. I am pointing out that someone who has real knowledge of an event and knows the individual involved in it could adopt the persona of that individual to ensure that he evaded prosecution. That is the point that I am trying to make. The issue is debatable, but I hope that I have given the Government’s point of view on the matter.
A number of amendments are linked to the return of exiles as a condition of eligibility. The hon. Members for Belfast, East (Mr. Robinson) and for Solihull both referred to that on Thursday. I am clear that the practice of exiling is incompatible with good Government policy and with the IRA statement of 28 July. I call on all organisations, irrespective of whether they are loyalist or republican, to cease that repellent practice now. The Government will do all we can to ensure that the full force of the law is in place so that exiled individuals can return, should they wish to do so.