Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery

Lord Caine Excerpts

Wednesday 21st May 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

The noble Baroness is absolutely right. Everything in the delivery of the Belfast/Good Friday agreement and the ongoing peace in Northern Ireland is about trust and bringing people together. With regards to forthcoming legislation, we were clear in our manifesto, and we have been clear by having it referenced in the King’s Speech. This Government are committed to bringing forward the timing of the legislation. However, noble Lords will appreciate that, as my Chief Whip is sitting two feet away from me, I am going to confirm: when parliamentary time allows.

[Lord Caine (Con)]

My Lords, dealing with the here and now, can the Minister confirm that the Government’s decision to reopen legacy inquests, alongside the new legacy commission, inevitably risks elderly veterans being dragged back into coroners’ courts over events that happened as far back as half a century ago—yes or no? When the Tánaiste said this week that the UK and Irish Governments are working strenuously to find a “landing zone” on legacy issues, can she confirm that this will include full Irish co-operation with the legacy commission on information recovery?

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

My Lords, the noble Lord knows the answer to the first question. With regards to conversations with the Irish Government, he will be aware that we are working closely with them as the co-guarantors of the Good Friday agreement. At the recent BIIGC, both Governments reflected on the positive and constructive bilateral discussions which have taken place, as well as the substantive progress towards reaching agreement on a joint comprehensive approach to legacy issues consistent with the principles of the Stormont House agreement. We can see part of that change through the memorandum of understanding that was issued to the Omagh bombing inquiry, which the Government viewed as a significant step forward. We look forward to further enhancements in this regard—for example, legislation on co-operation.