Lord Empey has welcomed a commitment from the UK Government that they will introduce the Bill to deliver redress for victims of historical institutional abuse as soon as the redrafting exercise has been undertaken. But Lord Empey warned that any further delays will not be tolerated.
Lord Empey said:
“The six party leaders have provided the Secretary of State with the necessary information she requested to take the legislation for HIA redress forward. There can simply be no further delay. I am glad that the Minister gave a commitment in the House today that they will take the Bill through both Houses as soon as the redrafting exercise has been done. However, the UK Government should know that any further delays or stalling will not be tolerated.
“Victims have been left in limbo since Sir Anthony Hart published his recommendations. They waited for a long time to receive recognition; it is totally shameful that they have had to wait so long to see redress.
“Parliament is effectively lying idle for the next six weeks. This provides the UK Government with an opportunity to progress this legislation. They have been slow to respond to date. They should move to introduce this legislation immediately on humanitarian grounds so no other victim of historical institutional abuse goes to their grave without seeing some justice done.”
Hansard of Lord Empey’s question and the UK Government response can be found here: https://hansard.parliament.uk/lords/2019-06-13/debates/367939AC-8155-4D2C-8EB8-9C0500BA3DAF/NorthernIrelandHistoricalInstitutionalAbuse