Menu
09/06/2023
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.
Calling on the to "listen to the widespread opposition to the Bill" Mr Eastwood said: "The amendments from the British government to their Legacy Bill are no more than an attempt to paper over the cracks of ill-thought out and totally irreparable legislation. This is one of the few issues that unites everyone in the North from political parties to victims' groups, there is nothing that can be done to make this legislation palatable and we will oppose it at every turn.
"There can be no hiding place for those who committed the most unspeakable crimes during our troubled past, whether they be state forces or paramilitaries. This legislation seeks to provide the British government with an opportunity to cover up their own murky past, while closing down routes to victims and survivors who still hold out hope of attaining truth and justice.
"We need to be strong and united in our opposition to this Bill, I welcome the commitment from Tánaiste Micheál Martin that the Irish government will consider taking the matter to Europe if the British government proceeds with these plans. The SDLP has also secured a commitment from Labour Leader Kier Starmer that his government will repeal this legislation should he win the next General Election.
"The only way we are going to deal with our past is through cooperation, engagement and agreement on all sides. It's deeply disappointing that repeated opportunities to find an agreed way forward, including at Stormont House, have been missed. The British government cannot be allowed to trample over the human rights of victims and survivors and the SDLP will continue to fight alongside them until this legislation is defeated."
Mr Eastwood was speaking after the government published a series of new amendments to the legislation.
Calling on the to "listen to the widespread opposition to the Bill" Mr Eastwood said: "The amendments from the British government to their Legacy Bill are no more than an attempt to paper over the cracks of ill-thought out and totally irreparable legislation. This is one of the few issues that unites everyone in the North from political parties to victims' groups, there is nothing that can be done to make this legislation palatable and we will oppose it at every turn.
"There can be no hiding place for those who committed the most unspeakable crimes during our troubled past, whether they be state forces or paramilitaries. This legislation seeks to provide the British government with an opportunity to cover up their own murky past, while closing down routes to victims and survivors who still hold out hope of attaining truth and justice.
"We need to be strong and united in our opposition to this Bill, I welcome the commitment from Tánaiste Micheál Martin that the Irish government will consider taking the matter to Europe if the British government proceeds with these plans. The SDLP has also secured a commitment from Labour Leader Kier Starmer that his government will repeal this legislation should he win the next General Election.
"The only way we are going to deal with our past is through cooperation, engagement and agreement on all sides. It's deeply disappointing that repeated opportunities to find an agreed way forward, including at Stormont House, have been missed. The British government cannot be allowed to trample over the human rights of victims and survivors and the SDLP will continue to fight alongside them until this legislation is defeated."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 January 2024
SF Welcomes Govt Decision To Exonerate Sub-Postmasters
The UK government's decision to exonerate sub-postmasters who were impacted by the Horizon IT scandal has been welcomed by Sinn Féin Vice President and First Minister Designate Michelle O'Neill.
SF Welcomes Govt Decision To Exonerate Sub-Postmasters
The UK government's decision to exonerate sub-postmasters who were impacted by the Horizon IT scandal has been welcomed by Sinn Féin Vice President and First Minister Designate Michelle O'Neill.
19 September 2023
SF Backs Legal Challenges Against Govt's Legacy Bill
A Belfast-based law firm has brought a total of 11 separate legal challenges against the UK government's Legacy Bill. KRW Law have brought to cases on behalf of families of people who died during the troubles.
SF Backs Legal Challenges Against Govt's Legacy Bill
A Belfast-based law firm has brought a total of 11 separate legal challenges against the UK government's Legacy Bill. KRW Law have brought to cases on behalf of families of people who died during the troubles.
07 September 2023
NI Ministers Condemn Passing Of 'Cynical And Cruel' Legacy Bill
NI Ministers have condemned the passing of the UK government's much criticised Legacy Bill, with the DUP describing it as a 'dark day for innocent victims' and Sinn Féin as 'cynical and cruel'. The controversial bill passed it's final stage in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 06 September.
NI Ministers Condemn Passing Of 'Cynical And Cruel' Legacy Bill
NI Ministers have condemned the passing of the UK government's much criticised Legacy Bill, with the DUP describing it as a 'dark day for innocent victims' and Sinn Féin as 'cynical and cruel'. The controversial bill passed it's final stage in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 06 September.
18 January 2023
Alliance Tables Amendment To Protect NI From EU Law Reforms
The Alliance Party has tabled a amendment to the UK government's Retained EU Law Bill, which aims to protect legislation in the Northern Ireland devolved space from the Bill which will introduce provisions to allow government Ministers to repeal retained EU law.
Alliance Tables Amendment To Protect NI From EU Law Reforms
The Alliance Party has tabled a amendment to the UK government's Retained EU Law Bill, which aims to protect legislation in the Northern Ireland devolved space from the Bill which will introduce provisions to allow government Ministers to repeal retained EU law.
18 March 2014
'Designated Days' Policy Proposed
South Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo has proposed an amendment to the Local Government Bill that will allow the union flag to be flown on council headquarters across Northern Ireland on designated days.
'Designated Days' Policy Proposed
South Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo has proposed an amendment to the Local Government Bill that will allow the union flag to be flown on council headquarters across Northern Ireland on designated days.
-
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.
