A Sinn Féin delegation, led by John Finucane MP, met Thursday with British Secretary of State Hilary Benn to discuss the legacy framework.
Speaking after the meeting, the North Belfast MP said he had raised a series of serious concerns with Hilary Benn following the publication of legislation in the British House of Commons yesterday.
“With the publication of this legislation, the real work now is to scrutinise the detail and ensure it can command the confidence of victims and families,” said Mr Finucane.
“At today’s meeting we pressed the British Secretary of State on our initial concerns. The inclusion of a clause to change the law and block compensation for former internees is an act of bad faith and political cynicism. That approach was ruled unlawful in 2020, yet the British government now proposes to circumvent both that ruling and existing legislation.
“We are equally alarmed by the proposed ‘national security’ veto, which would place the release of information to families at the discretion of a British Secretary of State. The current Secretary of State is already challenging a coroner’s right to provide a gist in the Supreme Court; if that is his stance now, what will it be with a statutory veto?
“We also made clear that the public commentary around protections for former British combatants is being watched closely. There can be no side deals for veterans. Everyone must be equal before the law.
“On inquests, the bar for re-establishment appears so high that few will be reopened, with cases instead pushed into the new Legacy Commission. That is despite inquests being a tried and tested route to establishing truth.
“The family of Sean Brown are still without answers 29 years after his murder. That is a shameful indictment of British justice, and this agreement makes no reference to it. A public inquiry should be established without delay, as recommended by five High Court judges, and the British government should end its legal challenges against Bridie Brown and her family.
“There is also a lack of clarity around the resourcing and implementation of these legacy mechanisms. We have asked for concrete detail to be provided.
“As it stands, this process appears designed to protect the interests of the British state rather than deliver for families.
“Sinn Féin will continue to engage with both governments and to work closely with victims and families, whose voices must be paramount. Any process must earn — and keep — their confidence.”
