Menu
05/07/2021
Sinn Féin Raise 'Deep Concerns' Over Ending Of Prosecutions Of British Soldiers
Sinn Féin Leader and Deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, has said that she has "deep concerns" over a British government decision to "end inquests, judicial reviews, civil cases and also prosecution cases involving British soldiers already before the courts".
Mrs O'Neill raised the issue after the Public Prosecution Service announced that it would not be continuing with a case against two former British soldiers, facing charges of murder and attempted murder in connection with 'Bloody Sunday'.
Mrs O'Neill has written to the British Secretary of State looking for an urgent response to questions on the British government's legacy proposals before any Party Leaders meeting.
She said: "I wrote to the British Secretary of State on May 10 to highlight my objections about his amnesty proposals.
"My party colleagues also raised a number of questions at a meeting on May 20 in respect of whether the British government's legacy proposals seek to end inquests, judicial reviews, civil cases and also prosecution cases involving British soldiers already before the courts.
"Following this week's Legacy Roundtable meeting I am seeking an urgent response to questions posed verbally and in writing in advance of a meeting of party leaders.
"If the current legacy process is to deliver for victims, in a human rights compliant manner, a clear and unambiguous statement is required from the British government as to whether:
• There is an intention to introduce an amnesty or statute of limitation for British state forces?
• There is an intention to interfere with due legal process in respect of legacy inquests, judicial reviews, civil cases or prosecution cases involving British soldiers already before the courts?
"The British government's response to these questions will indicate whether this is a serious process designed to enhance the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement to deliver for victims.
"Or is this simply a vehicle to buy time, and create the impression of engagement and consultation, until the autumn when the British government brings forward its legacy legislation.
"I have also raised my objections with the Irish government and urged them as co-signatories of the Stormont House Agreement to stand up for its implementation and for the right of victims to have access to truth and justice."
Mrs O'Neill raised the issue after the Public Prosecution Service announced that it would not be continuing with a case against two former British soldiers, facing charges of murder and attempted murder in connection with 'Bloody Sunday'.
Mrs O'Neill has written to the British Secretary of State looking for an urgent response to questions on the British government's legacy proposals before any Party Leaders meeting.
She said: "I wrote to the British Secretary of State on May 10 to highlight my objections about his amnesty proposals.
"My party colleagues also raised a number of questions at a meeting on May 20 in respect of whether the British government's legacy proposals seek to end inquests, judicial reviews, civil cases and also prosecution cases involving British soldiers already before the courts.
"Following this week's Legacy Roundtable meeting I am seeking an urgent response to questions posed verbally and in writing in advance of a meeting of party leaders.
"If the current legacy process is to deliver for victims, in a human rights compliant manner, a clear and unambiguous statement is required from the British government as to whether:
• There is an intention to introduce an amnesty or statute of limitation for British state forces?
• There is an intention to interfere with due legal process in respect of legacy inquests, judicial reviews, civil cases or prosecution cases involving British soldiers already before the courts?
"The British government's response to these questions will indicate whether this is a serious process designed to enhance the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement to deliver for victims.
"Or is this simply a vehicle to buy time, and create the impression of engagement and consultation, until the autumn when the British government brings forward its legacy legislation.
"I have also raised my objections with the Irish government and urged them as co-signatories of the Stormont House Agreement to stand up for its implementation and for the right of victims to have access to truth and justice."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
15 February 2024
SF Slams Attempts To 'Run Down The Clock' On Legacy Act
Sinn Féin has said that attempts to "run down the clock" until the controversial Legacy Act is enacted are "cynical and cruel". North Belfast MP, John Finucane, said: "I welcome and agree with the assessment of former Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan that state bodies are attempting to 'run down the clock' until the Legacy Act is enacted.
SF Slams Attempts To 'Run Down The Clock' On Legacy Act
Sinn Féin has said that attempts to "run down the clock" until the controversial Legacy Act is enacted are "cynical and cruel". North Belfast MP, John Finucane, said: "I welcome and agree with the assessment of former Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan that state bodies are attempting to 'run down the clock' until the Legacy Act is enacted.
11 May 2022
Legacy Proposals 'Contain No Detail Or Clarity' – SDLP
The SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has criticised the latest legacy proposals from the British Government, which he has said "contain no detail or clarity".
Legacy Proposals 'Contain No Detail Or Clarity' – SDLP
The SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has criticised the latest legacy proposals from the British Government, which he has said "contain no detail or clarity".
09 June 2023
No Amendments Can Fix Broken Legacy Bill – Eastwood
No amendments can fix the British government's broken Legacy Bill, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has said. Mr Eastwood was speaking after the government published a series of new amendments to the legislation.
No Amendments Can Fix Broken Legacy Bill – Eastwood
No amendments can fix the British government's broken Legacy Bill, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has said. Mr Eastwood was speaking after the government published a series of new amendments to the legislation.
06 July 2022
SF Reiterates Calls For Legacy Bill To Be Scrapped
Sinn Féin has reiterated calls for the government's Legacy Bill to be scrapped following comments by a leading EU Commissioner.
SF Reiterates Calls For Legacy Bill To Be Scrapped
Sinn Féin has reiterated calls for the government's Legacy Bill to be scrapped following comments by a leading EU Commissioner.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
