Member

The Court of Appeal’s findings in relation to disclosure and effective next-of-kin participation in cases that would otherwise have been inquests raise issues that could reach far beyond the scope of the legacy Act, including on the state’s ability to keep people safe. For that reason, the Government have sought permission to appeal to the Supreme Court, and that means the remedial order cannot be used to address these issues. However, when parliamentary time allows, the Government will bring forward a Bill that will implement a disclosure regime that is fair and transparent and, crucially, allows the greatest possible disclosure of information while ensuring that proportionate safeguards remain in place to protect the security of the state. That legislation will also ensure that in specific circumstances the independent commission is able to hold public hearings, take sworn evidence from individuals and allow families to have effective representation. I hope that provides assurances to the noble Baroness and others who have raised this issue that we are committed to addressing the legacy of the past in a legally compliant way.