Tánaiste hails what he termed a very positive meeting with new Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, whom he described as well briefed on the issuesNew Northern Secretary Hilary Benn with Tánaiste Micheál Martin at Hillsborough Castle on Thursday. Photograph: Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye/Northern Ireland Office/PA Wire
“We did both accept that the critical issue was restoring trust amongst victims and the families of victims in respect of whatever legacy process is ultimately determined upon, and that is key really, irrespective of the mechanisms that will be developed – that trust is restored.” The Tory government said the legislation, which applies to all former members of the security forces and ex-paramilitaries, was an attempt to draw a line under the events of the past and would offer conditional amnesty to those accused of killings and causing injury.
Labour under Keir Starmer opposed the legislation and pledged to repeal it if in government. Today, Mr Martin said Thursday night’s meeting with Mr Benn was reassuring in that regard, as he was confident the UK government would keep the Irish Government well briefed on its moves to repeal it.