Tom Elliott MP has said that the Ulster Unionist Party will continue to carefully scrutinise the implementation of the so-called Fresh Start agreement.
The Fermanagh& South Tyrone MP was speaking following the Queen’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament.
Tom Elliott MP said:
“It will perhaps be surprising to some that the Government is not bringing forward a more ambitious slate of Bills in this session. While we will wait to scrutinise the full details of the proposals outlined today, there are a number of Bills that seem to spell out progress such as improvements to broadband and reform of the adoption system.
“Looking to the direct references to Northern Ireland, we will continue to bring sharp scrutiny of the so-called Fresh Start and its implementation. The Ulster Unionist Party were adamant that tackling paramilitarism should be at the top of the agenda for the talks that led to the “Fresh Start” and we will be robust in holding those tasked with this to account.
“We are still witnessing murders, so-called punishment shootings, significant weapons finds and just last week the terror threat from Northern Ireland-related terrorism in Great Britain was raised to substantial.
“We have major concerns that the outworkings from the recent Stormont House and Fresh Start proposals will once again be a failure for the innocent victims in our society and bring further intense scrutiny on the security forces.
“Throughout talks on Dealing with the Past we have been clear we will not tolerate any rewriting of history and that those responsible for the majority of deaths should be placed in greatest focus. We will be scrutinising any legislation that comes forward in this session to make sure this is the case.
“It is very welcome to see that the Government is moving to further reform the adoption process to make it easier for children to be adopted by families without delay. As an adoptive parent myself this is something I have a great interest in and I know all too well how much the Northern Ireland system needs to be improved.
“I look forward to seeing the proposals when they come forward and will be lobbying the new Executive to ensure they implement any aspects that would improve the adoption system in Northern Ireland.”