Hilary Benn

Hilary Benn

Labour — Leeds South

Speaking in the House of Commons on 17 December 2025

Debate

Northern Ireland Troubles: Legacy and Reconciliation

Contribution

I will make two points to the right hon. Gentleman, who served with such distinction in Northern Ireland. First, as we have just heard, immunity was never commenced. It was declared incompatible, and it was struck down under article 2. Secondly, I reject again the suggestion that the Government are somehow abusing the process. If that was an argument, one might have expected the Joint Committee on Human Rights to have agreed with it, but it did not. The Committee heard all the points that have been put and concluded that in these particular circumstances it was right to proceed, and that is why it recommends that the House should support the remedial order.

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