The Government’s new approach to addressing the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland: MPs outline evidence to Secretary of State

• Read the letter 
• Inquiry: The Government's new approach to addressing the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland
• Northern Ireland Affairs Committee

The letter to Hilary Benn outlines the views gathered from the wide range of contributors to the inquiry—including victims, survivors, and expert organisations—across five central themes: the role of the Irish Government; consultation with stakeholders; reform of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery; reconciliation; and recording the past.

The committee plans to produce a final report with recommendations at a later date and will scrutinise the details of any agreement between the UK and Irish governments.

Chair quote

Tonia Antoniazzi MP, Chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, said: 

“Our wide-raging inquiry has taken powerful evidence from people and organisations with diverse perspectives on legacy issues, including victims and survivors who have courageously shared their personal experiences. The future prosperity of Northern Ireland depends on ensuring that all communities feel heard and represented when it comes to addressing its past, so it’s crucial that the Government takes into account the views and concerns we’ve gathered when shaping any future agreements and legacy legislation.”

The committee has previously taken evidence from stakeholders including the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, and organisations that represent and support victims, survivors and their families.

In April the inquiry took evidence from the PSNI, Operation Kenova and a former NI Police Ombudsman. And more recently, the committee explored the views of veterans, former police officers and the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery.

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

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