Troubles victims deserve a chance at justice

sir – On November 23, the House of Lords will start the second reading of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill. At the heart of this Bill is an amnesty in exchange for information. Tell us what you know about the bomb that exploded 35 years ago this month, killing 12 innocent people in Enniskillen on November 8 1987, and there’s no risk of prosecution.

The Bill effectively ends prosecutions of those involved in atrocities, wherever their allegiances lay. Sadly, it ignores the needs and wishes of victims and survivors from all communities – the people who have suffered the most and continue to carry the burden of the Troubles. They don’t want this Bill as it removes proven legal processes such as inquests and civil cases and removes any hope, however slim, of getting justice for their loved ones.

As a civilised, just society we owe it to victims, survivors and their families to support them and find a shared way that we can address the legacy of our past. We need political and civic leadership in the UK, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland that is willing and able to set out a roadmap for the route to reconciliation.

A draconian Bill, designed by one party in splendid isolation, is not the way forward, and it is not what our victims and survivors need.

Ian Jeffers

Commissioner, Commission for Victims and Survivors

Belfast