Irish State Collusion

Part of Private Members' Business – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 4:45 pm on 28 September 2021.

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Photo of John Blair John Blair Alliance 4:45, 28 September 2021

I thank all Members who took part in the debate. Like my colleague earlier, I will speak in support of the amendment. First, however, I want to address the motion. The motion makes clear, as mentioned many times today, that the UK Government's latest proposed policy on legacy is deplorable and that the plan to prevent the prosecution of crimes committed during the Troubles is an unacceptable course of action. There is cross-party agreement on that position. Therefore, it is my hope that the amendment, in reflecting the intent of the original motion, can let us speak with one voice on these crucial issues. I will refer to the amendment more fully in a moment.

It is difficult to see how these UK Government proposals, which have been mentioned repeatedly today, can be consistent with international human rights law. We need a comprehensive system for legacy, including investigations, with everyone equal under the law. Otherwise, victims will never receive the justice, truth and closure that they deserve. There is, understandably, an expectation that all democratic Governments and their justice structures will act within the terms of international human rights law. If that expectation of associated standards is not met, it is a matter of utmost concern to all of us and, of course, mostly and especially, to the bereaved. Turning directly to the case of Ian Sproule, I commend the family for their resilient campaign for truth and justice. Their case is symptomatic of the cases of so many families who need that closure and justice.

I will now refer to comments that were made in the debate. I will limit my comments to the remarks that related to our amendment. Some Members spoke but did not refer to the amendment. Proposing the motion, Diane Dodds mentioned that we had included references to the UK Government. I hope that she will accept that references to the UK Government were in the original motion. Yes, they are in the amendment, and are mentioned again towards the end of the amendment alongside clear mention of the Irish Government and the need for collaboration between the two.

Liz Kimmins spoke in support of the amendment and referred to the recent UK Government proposals. That was a common theme. She also mentioned the Stormont House Agreement. Colin McGrath spoke in opposition to the UK Government proposals and supported the amendment. Doug Beattie did not support the amendment, but he referred to the key focus on the Irish Government and indicated that there is more to be done there. Sinéad Ennis spoke of pain and loss across communities. Tom Buchanan talked about his personal experience of the incident cited in the motion, and we respect his feelings and thoughts about that. Dolores Kelly spoke in support of the amendment.

The amendment addresses the need for acts of terrorism to be investigated fully and for the Governments on these islands to cooperate to the fullest extent, so that truth, justice and closure can be brought to the victims and families who need them. I remind Members that the Northern Ireland Office, in its recent proposals, failed to engage in meaningful dialogue or consultation with the parties of the Assembly prior to making public announcements. More reprehensibly, it failed to engage with victims' groups.

It is my hope that we can reach agreement through the amendment, which honours the intentions of the motion while highlighting the duty on Governments to collaborate closely to bring that closure. I commend the amendment to the House.