SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said that the last minute attempt by British MPs to sneak in via the backdoor an effective amnesty for British soldiers involved in our troubled past is disgraceful.
Mr Eastwood said: “Last night in Westminster British MPs attempted to put down a last minute amendment to restrict expenditure on the prosecution of British soldiers .
“This is an absolute outrage.
“I know Theresa May has lost control of her party, but she must get her MPs in line tonight and stop this amendment being passed.
“Amnesty will not mend the scars of our past – only the truth.
“We must ensure that the needs of victims and their families are always at the forefront of our process – if this amendment passes it will cause huge pain for those who have already lost so much.
“Absolutely no one is above the law and shame on those MPs who are trying to cement a hierarchy of victims.
“The absence of a Nationalist voice will be felt acutely in Westminster tonight – SDLP MPs would have challenged the British Government and British MPs – unlike Sinn Fein MPs who are more obsessed with champagne receptions than standing up for people across the North.
“The only way to ensure that the British Government doesn’t take back control is to restore the assembly and put power back in the hands of Irish people,” added the Foyle MLA.
