On Wednesday 28 August, the Commission for Victims and Survivors and the Victims and Survivors Forum met with Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland,  to discuss ongoing issues surrounding the legacy of the Troubles/conflict.  

The Secretary of State listened to the views of our Forum members, who shared their lived experience to inform policy and legislation informing   victims and survivors’ issues.  

Some key concerns of the Commission and Forum are: 

• Clarity surrounding the status of civil litigations and inquests following the announcement to repeal and replace the Legacy Act and timelines for the implementation of such changes. 

• The role, structure and powers of the ICRIR in the absence of the Legacy Act and its degree of independence.  

• Encouraging cross-jurisdictional collaboration (NI, GB, ROI) on victims and survivors’ issues to ensure that victims and survivors receive equal degrees of support and representation, regardless of geographical location.  

• Raising awareness of the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme amongst eligible victims and survivors residing in Great Britain. 

• Addressing legacy issues – including transgenerational trauma, memorialisation, sectarianism, paramilitarism and segregation – to improve social relations and prevent the recurrence of violence in the future.  

The Commission is pleased to say that this meeting provided the opportunity to share such concerns with the Secretary of State, in what was a productive and constructive meeting.  

We look forward to continued engagement with SOSNI to develop a roadmap for new victim-centred Legacy legislation, as well as furthering provisions to address the needs of victims and survivors across these islands.  

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