Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
The government is set to hold a debate and vote on new legacy legislation related to the Troubles later today. This bill proposes the establishment of a commission tasked with investigating killings connected to the Troubles, alongside a distinct body dedicated to recovering information. These initiatives have been developed under a shared framework agreed upon by both the UK and Irish governments. Additionally, the UK government is introducing a separate set of veteran protections as part of this legislative effort.
Despite these proposed measures, some Members of Parliament believe the bill does not go far enough in providing adequate protections. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader, Gavin Robinson, criticized the previous legacy act amendments, noting that although the Conservatives had rejected the DUP’s proposals, they later adopted similar amendments and took credit for them. Robinson expressed hope that the current Labour government would act with greater integrity. Northern Ireland’s Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, who is responsible for opening the debate in the House of Commons, expressed confidence that the bill will secure approval.
The Tánaiste of Ireland, Simon Harris, emphasized that the legislation must remain consistent with the framework mutually agreed upon by both governments. Harris and Benn met recently in Dublin to discuss these developments. The proposed legislation is intended to replace the controversial Troubles legacy act, which was enacted under the previous Conservative government. The upcoming Commons debate will focus on voting for the principle of the new legislation, with expectations that it will pass given the government’s majority, although amendments may still be introduced in the future.
When Benn introduced the bill last month, he stated it was designed to usher in “fundamental reform” and stressed the importance of allowing it “a chance to succeed.” The new law aims to address longstanding issues arising from the Troubles, balancing the need for investigation, information recovery, and protections for those involved, while navigating complex political sensitivities within Northern Ireland and between the UK and Irish governments
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.