Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Justice on ensuring that people in England who were victims of terrorism perpetrated by paramilitary groups based in Northern Ireland are able to access legal aid.

First and foremost I would like to extend my deepest condolences to all those across the UK who have been affected by appalling and devastating acts of terrorism, including those affected by the Hyde Park atrocity.

As my honourable friend knows legal aid decisions are made independently of Government, but I am sure he, like me, very much welcomes the excellent news that the Legal Aid Agency has just decided to award legal aid to the Hyde Park families in their pursuit of justice.