SDLP Foyle MP Colum Eastwood
Mr Eastwood said that victims and their families were relieved when the new government adopted its pledge to repeal and replace the toxic Legacy Act which had the support of no political party in Ireland.
He urged the Prime Minister to give a clear commitment that new legislation will strip the immunity provisions which offer impunity to former paramilitaries and soldiers who committed serious crimes.
Speaking during Prime Ministers Questions in the House of Commons this afternoon, Mr Eastwood said: “The Prime Minister will never know how much it meant to victims from across our society and across these islands when he came to Northern Ireland, looked them in the eyes and promised to make sure no killer would be immune from prosecution.
“The Legacy Act which grants immunity and impunity to former paramilitaries and soldiers who committed some of the worst crimes over the last 50 years has the support of no political party in Ireland.
“It is an affront to justice and an enduring insult to victims and their families.
“Repealing the legislation and stripping the immunity provisions from any replacement are urgent priorities.
“As is advancing the shared approach between the Irish and British Governments on the past.
“The basic position must be that no killer, no matter who they are or what uniform they wore, will be above the law when it comes to legacy prosecutions and investigations.
“That is the least victims and their families deserve,” added Mr Eastwood.
