TROUBLES AMNESTY ‘NOT FAIT ACCOMPLI’

Coveney warns of ‘real problems’

FOREIGN Minister Simon Coveney has warned there could be “real problems” if the British government thinks imposing an amnesty for Troubles offences is a done deal.

He was speaking after “robust conversations” were held between himself, Northern Secretary Brandon Lewis and the North’s political leaders yesterday.

The northern parties outlined their opposition to the UK government’s controversial plan to drop all prosecutions over Troubles-related crimes.

And Mr Coveney didn’t mince his words after the meeting, warning the UK had to reach agreement with the various parties involved. He said: “Let me be very clear, there is no predetermined outcome here.

“Some have sold the British government’s position during the week as a fait accompli. There is no fait accompli.

“This is not a case of the British government outlining a position and then going through some form of consultation process and then moving ahead with that position anyway in the autumn – if that is what we are at, well then we have real problems.”

The meeting came as it was confirmed the Northern Ireland Assembly will be recalled next week from its summer recess to discuss concerns over what politicians and victims have described as a “de facto amnesty” for Troubles crimes.

Secretary of State Mr Lewis said on Wednesday he intends to introduce legislation which would end all prosecutions for incidents up to April 1998 and would apply to military veterans as well as ex-paramilitaries.

The proposals, which Prime Minister Boris Johnson said would allow the North “draw a line under the Troubles”, would also end all legacy inquests and civil actions related to the conflict.

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein president Mary Lou Mcdonald said: “The British government are acting in total bad faith and are trying to fabricate a process to give cover to the British government proceeding with amnesty legislation in the autumn.”

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said: “It is not just about truth... it is about having the opportunity for individuals and families to pursue

justice for their loved ones.”