Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Hilary Benn and Darren Paffey

Wednesday 3rd June 2026 Commons Chamber

[Hilary Benn]

I reject the suggestion that in some way I am not standing up for victims, because the legislation that we have brought forward is about trying to give confidence to all victims in Northern Ireland. The right hon. Gentleman was one of many critics the immunity provisions in the legacy Act, which had no support in Northern Ireland, did not command support from any of the political parties, was wrong in principle and was never even commenced by the last Government. In relation to the Irish Government, we should judge each other by the steps that we take. Since we last had an exchange on this matter, the Irish Government have now legislated—it is just awaiting the Irish President’s signature—to enable witness evidence to be given to the Omagh bombing inquiry. That is a sign of the Irish Government’s good faith.

[Darren Paffey (Southampton Itchen) (Lab)]

3. What assessment he has made of the potential economic impact of the defence growth deal on Northern Ireland.