Troubles Bill amendments aim to improve victims' confidence in process
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 00:31 · Archive
The Government has proposed 156 amendments to its Troubles Bill, including giving the Attorney General final say on prosecutions.
The Government has proposed 156 amendments to its Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, which overhauls the previous Legacy Act. One amendment would give the UK Attorney General final say on whether Troubles-related prosecutions should go ahead. The UK Government said this approach has 'precedent' including on national security matters, and would reduce 'rinse and repeat' duplicate investigations.
Joe McVey, Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, said greater focus needs to be put on building confidence in the processes being established by the new legislation. He stated that 'independence and impartiality are essential to building confidence' and that 'people need to know that their different experiences and needs will be recognised'.
Sir Chris Bryant, the Northern Ireland Secretary, said the legislation is needed to allow families who lost loved ones in the Troubles to get answers. Members of the Victims and Survivors Forum in Northern Ireland will be at Westminster on Monday as MPs begin debate on the Bill this week. The Bill was first introduced to Parliament last year following agreement on a joint framework with the Irish government.
How it is being reported
- Troubles Bill needs to ‘put focus on building confidence’ among victimsBelfast Telegraph · 19 Oct, 00:01
- Troubles Bill needs to ‘put focus on building confidence’ among victimsAmendments put forward include one giving the UK Attorney General the final say on whether Troubles-related prosecutions should go aheadBelfast Live · 19 Oct, 00:01
In this story: Joe McVey · Sir Chris Bryant · UK Attorney General · Northern Ireland · UK Government · Northern Ireland Office
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