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25/07/2019
Govt Urged To Implement Redress For Victims
Politicians have called on the newly formed UK government to end the delay in legislating to implement redress for victims and survivors of historical institutional abuse.
As Boris Johnson formed his new cabinet and appointed Julian Smith as Secretary of State from Northern Ireland, leaders of Stormont's political parties united to demand the recommendations of the Hart Inquiry be delivered.
Speaking after signing a joint letter addressed to the MP for Skipton and Ripon, Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill said he has a responsibility to legislate for victims.
The Mid Ulster MLA commented: "The victims have waited too long with many having died without justice or redress for an awful wrongdoing.
"We have continuously challenged the disgraceful stalling and prevarication by the previous British Secretary of State and the NIO.
"This letter clearly demonstrates a united voice from all main political parties in the north for an end to the foot dragging on this important issue.
"It is now up to Julian Smith in his first days in office to act in good faith and legislate to meet the needs of victims and survivors as a matter of urgency."
Meanwhile, outgoing NI Secretary Karen Bradley urged the new Conservative Party Leader to consider the redress scheme as a priority for the region.
It comes after Ms Bradley faced widespread criticism for submitting the issue to the Stormont negotiation process rather than bringing forward legislation immediately.
Addressing Mr Johnson today, she said in the House of Commons: "The people of Northern Ireland have been without government for two and a half years and that has affected many.
"Most deeply it has affected those that were victims of historical institutional abuse and those people who were severely physically and psychologically disabled through no fault of their own.
"Could he commit that he will deliver for those people?"
Ms Bradley was sacked from her position as NI Secretary during the cabinet reshuffle following the leadership contest.
(JG/MH)
As Boris Johnson formed his new cabinet and appointed Julian Smith as Secretary of State from Northern Ireland, leaders of Stormont's political parties united to demand the recommendations of the Hart Inquiry be delivered.
Speaking after signing a joint letter addressed to the MP for Skipton and Ripon, Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill said he has a responsibility to legislate for victims.
The Mid Ulster MLA commented: "The victims have waited too long with many having died without justice or redress for an awful wrongdoing.
"We have continuously challenged the disgraceful stalling and prevarication by the previous British Secretary of State and the NIO.
"This letter clearly demonstrates a united voice from all main political parties in the north for an end to the foot dragging on this important issue.
"It is now up to Julian Smith in his first days in office to act in good faith and legislate to meet the needs of victims and survivors as a matter of urgency."
Meanwhile, outgoing NI Secretary Karen Bradley urged the new Conservative Party Leader to consider the redress scheme as a priority for the region.
It comes after Ms Bradley faced widespread criticism for submitting the issue to the Stormont negotiation process rather than bringing forward legislation immediately.
Addressing Mr Johnson today, she said in the House of Commons: "The people of Northern Ireland have been without government for two and a half years and that has affected many.
"Most deeply it has affected those that were victims of historical institutional abuse and those people who were severely physically and psychologically disabled through no fault of their own.
"Could he commit that he will deliver for those people?"
Ms Bradley was sacked from her position as NI Secretary during the cabinet reshuffle following the leadership contest.
(JG/MH)
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