Draft Historical Abuse Bill (Northern Ireland) Debate

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Department: Northern Ireland Office

Draft Historical Abuse Bill (Northern Ireland)

Maria Caulfield Excerpts
Wednesday 24th July 2019

(4 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Maria Caulfield Portrait Maria Caulfield (Lewes) (Con)
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Can I just say I find it unacceptable that we are even thinking the legislation should be done by the end of the year? It should be done immediately. Given that David Sterling redrafted the legislation last week, it could have been tabled and introduced this week. It is unacceptable that that has not happened, but a commitment for that to happen the first week we return should be on the table. Significant periods between the 1920s and the 1990s were under direct rule, so while the issue is a devolved matter, does the Minister not agree that this place has a responsibility to give compensation to those victims? Does the Minister not further agree that, given that this place has previously passed all stages of Northern Ireland legislation in 24 hours, this Bill should be the top priority when we return from summer recess?

Eleanor Laing Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing)
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I call the Secretary of State.