MPs to examine the Government's new approach to addressing the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland
17 December 2024
The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee is to examine the Government’s new approach to legacy issues in Northern Ireland and the steps that need to be taken to meet the needs of victims, survivors and their families.
- Secretary of State oral statement on Northern Ireland Legacy
- New inquiry: The Government's new approach to addressing the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland
- Submit evidence
- Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
The Committee’s inquiry has been launched following the Secretary of State’s announcement this month of the intention to repeal and replace aspects of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023. Under the Government’s plans civil cases will be restarted and legislation brought forward on inquests and information disclosure. While intending to retain the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), the Government has pledged to reform and strengthen its independence, powers and accountability.
The Committee will take evidence and hear directly from people across communities in Northern Ireland to make recommendations to shape the Government’s plans.
In exploring the Government’s new approach, the inquiry will consider what the future role and powers of ICRIR should be and how to build trust in the commission. It will also look at the process for restoring Troubles-related inquests, how reconciliation can be facilitatedeffectively and the steps that need to be taken to record an acceptable history of the Troubles
Chair quote
Tonia Antoniazzi MP, Chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, said:
“Too many survivors and families of victims have waited too long for answers. If the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland cannot be appropriately addressed, the potential for peace and prosperity there and throughout the rest of the UK will never be fully realised. While the Government has committed to repealing the Legacy Act, there is still considerable uncertainty over what comes next. The Committee now has a key role to play in hearing from people from all communities in Northern Ireland on the best way ahead, so we can ensure that those affected by the past are at the centre of the Government’s thinking as it develops its new approach.”
Terms of reference
The Committee would welcome the submission of written evidence that addresses any of the following:
The deadline for submissions is 11.59pm on Wednesday 5 February.
Further information
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