Menu
07/09/2023
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.
DUP Human Rights and Legacy Spokesperson Emma Little-Pengelly, said: ''The Government's decision to railroad through these proposals in the face of unanimous opposition in Northern Ireland was abhorrent.
"Granting immunity to those responsible for some of the most horrific violence and human rights abuses is not only an affront to justice but the latest in a series of bitter blows handed down to innocent victims of terrorism and their families. This Bill plays into the hands of those who want to airbrush the past, by drawing a moral equivalence between terrorists and dedicated public servants in the police and security forces.
"We will continue to stand with victims and will never alter our position that access to justice must always be open. The voice of those who opposed this legislation will not disappear but will continue to be heard. We will seek any opportunity to ensure that truth and justice can be secured."
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane added: "The British Government's flawed and irredeemable Legacy Bill has always only been about one thing – closing the door on families ever getting truth and justice.
"It is absolutely cynical and cruel that the British Government is forcing this bill through despite clear opposition from victims, all the political parties in this island, human rights experts, churches, the US, UN, EU and the Irish Government.
"Sinn Féin will continue to stand with the families in their campaigns for truth and justice, many of them who have been campaigning with dignity and determination for five decades.
"The British government has reneged on an international agreement to implement the legacy mechanisms agreed at Stormont House by the t wo governments and political parties in 2014 in a human rights' compliant manner.
"I am calling on the Irish government to confront this denial of human rights and breach of international human rights law through an interstate case and international action against the British government."
The controversial bill passed it's final stage in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 06 September.
DUP Human Rights and Legacy Spokesperson Emma Little-Pengelly, said: ''The Government's decision to railroad through these proposals in the face of unanimous opposition in Northern Ireland was abhorrent.
"Granting immunity to those responsible for some of the most horrific violence and human rights abuses is not only an affront to justice but the latest in a series of bitter blows handed down to innocent victims of terrorism and their families. This Bill plays into the hands of those who want to airbrush the past, by drawing a moral equivalence between terrorists and dedicated public servants in the police and security forces.
"We will continue to stand with victims and will never alter our position that access to justice must always be open. The voice of those who opposed this legislation will not disappear but will continue to be heard. We will seek any opportunity to ensure that truth and justice can be secured."
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane added: "The British Government's flawed and irredeemable Legacy Bill has always only been about one thing – closing the door on families ever getting truth and justice.
"It is absolutely cynical and cruel that the British Government is forcing this bill through despite clear opposition from victims, all the political parties in this island, human rights experts, churches, the US, UN, EU and the Irish Government.
"Sinn Féin will continue to stand with the families in their campaigns for truth and justice, many of them who have been campaigning with dignity and determination for five decades.
"The British government has reneged on an international agreement to implement the legacy mechanisms agreed at Stormont House by the t wo governments and political parties in 2014 in a human rights' compliant manner.
"I am calling on the Irish government to confront this denial of human rights and breach of international human rights law through an interstate case and international action against the British government."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
17 December 2010
Divergent Views On Bill Of Rights
A Northern Ireland Office Minister of State, Hugo Swire has updated Westminster on the progress on a proposed NI Bill of Rights - and underlined that the way ahead is far from clear.
Divergent Views On Bill Of Rights
A Northern Ireland Office Minister of State, Hugo Swire has updated Westminster on the progress on a proposed NI Bill of Rights - and underlined that the way ahead is far from clear.
21 November 2024
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
19 November 2024
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
18 November 2024
69-Year-Old Extradited From Spain To Face Child Abuse Charges
A 69-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to stand trial Northern Ireland for child-related sexual offences that occurred in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
69-Year-Old Extradited From Spain To Face Child Abuse Charges
A 69-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to stand trial Northern Ireland for child-related sexual offences that occurred in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
-
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.
