·         Ulster Unionist MP raises IRA man’s claims with the Prime Minister at PMQs

·         Tom Elliott MP asks if HMG will apply for the extradition of Kieran Conway

·         Need honesty in dealing with the past

Ulster Unionist MP Tom Elliott raised the case of former IRA man turned lawyer Kieran Conway and his recent confessions before the Prime Minister this afternoon in the Commons during PMQs.

Mr. Elliott said:

“Earlier this month, former IRA Director of Intelligence Kieran Conway confessed in his autobiography and clarified on the BBC that he took part in armed robberies, bombings and gun attacks which murdered British soldiers. He stated he will never disclose information on any fellow IRA man despite knowing details of IRA actions that he himself defines as constituting war crimes.

“At a time when the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland is deliberating on the correct approach to dealing with legacy issues, I asked the Prime Minister to assure me that Her Majesty’s Government will apply for the extradition of this terrorist for questioning in order to grant some form of justice to the long-suffering victims and their families. The Prime Minister stated that any extradition request should go through the investigation and prosecution authorities but asserted that the UK Government does recognise the concern for cases where it is possible to bring those before justice and wants to see that done.

“The Secretary of State recently announced that he is seeking to move the legacy issues into a "more public phase". I welcome any movement to progress a resolution to these matters.  However, it is individuals like Conway who indicate that we cannot expect any meaningful movement until they engage with the process and are honest about their own past. The UK Government must ensure that any new agreement will not contain amnesties for the men and women of violence.”