Call for UK government U-turn on controversial Troubles legacy legislation

The UK government should reconsider pursuing controversial Troubles legacy legislation that is opposed by “virtually everyone”, an Irish minister has said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney was commenting after holding talks with Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton Harris on the contentious Bill that is progressing through its parliamentary stages at Westminster.

The draft legislation proposes a new approach to dealing with the legacy of the conflict in the region, with more focus on truth recovery rather than criminal justice outcomes.

Its most controversial aspects are the promise of immunity from prosecution for perpetrators who agree to provide information to a new truth body, and a move to end conflict-related civil cases and inquests.

The Bill is a unilateral move away from the 2014 Stormont House Agreement, in which the UK and Irish governments proposed a model that involved a new independent unit to reinvestigate unsolved murders.

Mr Coveney said the Irish government had “deep concerns” with the UK approach.

“We’ve probably had a more comprehensive discussion today than we’ve had to date on why the Irish government is so concerned at that approach, and I think our concern is shared by many in Northern Ireland – civil society, victims’ groups, political parties here,” he said.

“I did spend most of this morning speaking to victims’ representative groups and it was just a reminder to me of how and why we need to design a system to deal with the sensitivity and the trauma of legacy in Northern Ireland in a way that involves partnership and consensus around that approach, as opposed to taking a unilateral position against the advice of virtually everybody.

“Because we don’t believe that makes sense. So, you know, my relationship with the Secretary of State is actually a really good one. It allows us to have very blunt discussions on issues that we have differences of opinion on.

“And I think we had that today in a spirit of honesty and partnership, and I hope we’ll be able to work with the British government as a partner to maybe find a different way forward here on legacy in a way that can be supported in Westminster as well.”

After Wednesday’s meeting, a Northern Ireland Office spokeswoman said: “The Government is determined to deliver better outcomes for those most impacted by the Troubles while helping society to look forward.

“The legislation will not introduce an amnesty, and will not remove the prospect of criminal prosecutions.

“Conditional immunity will only be granted to individuals who co-operate fully and truthfully with the commission. Individuals who do not will remain liable to prosecution and will be referred to prosecutors should sufficient evidence exist.

“On 23 November, the Government announced a number of proposed changes which seek to address key concerns that have been raised by many stakeholders, including victims and survivors.

“The Government remains absolutely committed to constructive engagement with all interested parties on their ongoing concerns, and how they might be addressed as the Bill continues its passage through Parliament.

“However, we also recognise that a perfect solution to legacy issues is not attainable, and will continue to work towards the best practical solution.”