Ulster Unionist Peer, Lord Empey, has said the Secretary of State is placing every obstacle in the way of resolving the implementation of redress for victims of historical institutional abuse.
Lord Empey said:
“The Secretary of State, Karen Bradley MP, is placing every obstacle in the way of resolving the long running implementation of the Hart Report into historical institutional abuse. In addition to posing further questions to the local parties, she says that it would be a long legislative process here at Westminster. Rubbish.
“Both Houses of Parliament are twiddling their thumbs at the moment because of the Brexit crisis. The whips admit that they 'are trying to invent business' to keep both chambers going. It’s mostly random debates and little or no legislation.
“Karen Bradley had no difficulty in trying to force through the recent Northern Ireland (Regional Rates and Energy) (No 2) Bill. It completed all its stages in the Commons in one day and only for a rebellion in the Lords, tried to do the same thing there. In the end it was delayed for a week, but recent Budget Bills were put through in one day under emergency procedures.
“Whatever the reason, the victims are being victimised all over again. It’s a national disgrace.”