Hilary Benn

Hilary Benn

Labour — Leeds South

Speaking in the House of Commons on 3 June 2026

Debate

Replacing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023

Contribution

As my hon. Friend the Chair of the Select Committee knows only too well, responsibility for national security ultimately rests with Ministers, and the Dillon and the Thompson judgments confirmed that. As I have already indicated, I have proposed changes to the disclosure provisions in the Bill, including requiring the Secretary of State to conduct a balancing exercise when considering each case and also to give reasons. The Supreme Court made it clear that the Secretary of State does not have a veto, because any decision can be subject to judicial review.

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