Photo caption (left to right): Sarah Owen MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland; Joe McVey OBE, Commissioner for Victims and Survivors; and the Rt Hon Sir Chris Bryant MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

The Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, Joe McVey OBE, has used an early meeting with the Rt Hon Sir Chris Bryant MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, to call for the Troubles Bill to reflect the rights, needs and experiences of all victims and survivors as work on the legislation continues.

The Commissioner met with the Rt Hon Sir Chris Bryant MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and Sarah Owen MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, shortly after their appointments. The meeting provided an early opportunity to discuss the Commission’s statutory role, the issues continuing to affect victims and survivors across Northern Ireland, and the Commission’s priorities as the Government considers the next stages of the Troubles Bill.

Discussions focused on maintaining momentum on legacy legislation, the effective operation of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), the need for acknowledgement, progress towards a bereavement payment scheme, the need for clarity on the future of the application deadline for the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme, and continued investment in the services and infrastructure that support victims and survivors.

The Commissioner also emphasised that while a range of views continue to be expressed about the Troubles Bill, the legislation will affect a much broader community of victims and survivors and must therefore reflect the full diversity of experiences across Northern Ireland.

Speaking after the meeting, Commissioner Joe McVey said:

“I would like to thank the Secretary of State for meeting with the Commission so early in his appointment. I welcome his willingness to engage with the issues affecting victims and survivors and recognise the importance of ensuring these remain a priority for the new Government.

This was a positive and constructive meeting which gave us the opportunity to introduce the work of the Commission, explain our statutory role and discuss the issues that continue to have a profound impact on people’s lives.

The Troubles Bill will shape how we deal with the legacy of the Troubles/conflict for many years to come. It is too important to be shaped through one narrative or one experience alone.

Victims and survivors are not a homogeneous group. They do not share a single experience, a single perspective or a single view of how we address the past. Veterans are part of the victim and survivor community, as are many others whose lives continue to be affected by the legacy of the Troubles/conflict. Parliament now has an opportunity to ensure the final legislation reflects that diversity.

Recent public debate has understandably focused on some of the concerns surrounding the Bill. Those concerns deserve to be heard. However, the Troubles Bill will affect a much wider community of victims and survivors. It is essential that every voice is heard and every experience is given equal consideration if the legislation is to command confidence.

If we are serious about addressing the legacy of the Troubles/conflict, we cannot do so through a single lens. Victim-centred legislation must recognise the full range of experiences across our society and provide confidence that no victim or survivor has been overlooked.

Confidence cannot be legislated for. It must be earned. That means delivering legislation that is fair, balanced and capable of building confidence across all communities.

The Commission’s statutory responsibility is not to amplify one voice over another. It is to ensure that no victim or survivor becomes invisible as Parliament considers legislation that will shape how society deals with the past. We will continue to work constructively with the Government, Parliament and all those involved in the legacy process to ensure the rights, voices and experiences of all victims and survivors are reflected in legislation, policy and services.”

Ends

Notes to Editor:

All media enquiries to Elkie Ritchie, Head of Communications and PR on elkie.ritchie@cvsni.org or 07785416671. 

The Commissioner Joe McVey OBE was appointed by the First Minister and deputy First Minister for a term of 4 years, commencing on 6 October 2025.

The Commissioner’s role is to provide leadership and strategic direction to enable the Commission to perform its principal aim of safeguarding and promoting the interests of victims and survivors as set out inThe Victims and Survivors (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, as amended by the Commission for Victims and Survivors Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.

Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, Joe McVey, is available for media interviews and comment on issues affecting victims and survivors of the Troubles/conflict.

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