Home / News / Ensuring Victims and Survivors Are Heard: Forum Members Meet with the Secretary of State
16 July 2026
Ensuring Victims and Survivors Are Heard: Forum Members Meet with the Secretary of State
Forum Members recently met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP, to discuss a range of issues affecting victims and survivors.
The Secretary of State provided an update on the progress of the legacy legislation, including the next steps in its passage through Parliament. Discussion also covered the recent ICRIR review led by Peter May. Forum Members shared their lived experiences and highlighted the ongoing impact of the Troubles/conflict, providing valuable insight into the challenges, priorities and support needs of victims and survivors.
The meeting provided an important opportunity for Forum Members to engage directly with the Secretary of State, ensuring the voices and experiences of victims and survivors continue to inform discussions around legacy and future policy.
The Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, Joe McVey, notes today’s update from the Victims’ Payments Board confirming that the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme (TPDPS) will close to new applications...
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...
As the Right Honourable Hilary Benn leaves his role as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, “I would like to thank him for his dedication, commitment and constructive engagement with Victims and survivors of the...