Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, whether he has plans to seek cross community support for the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill before it receives Royal Assent.

The Government’s preference has always been to move forward on the basis of consensus. That is why we delayed the introduction of this legislation, and why it reflects a number of significant changes from the proposals contained within the Command Paper published last July.

However, it is clear that the people of Northern Ireland have waited too long to see the implementation of effective legacy mechanisms which is why we have brought forward the Northern Ireland (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill. This legislation seeks to deliver effective outcomes for those most impacted by the Troubles and wider society.

We will, of course, continue to engage with key stakeholders as this legislation makes its way through Parliament.