A WESTMINSTER committee which has launched an inquiry to examine British government proposals on legacy does not hold the “confidence” of some victims and relatives of people killed as "a result of collusion and state violence", it has been claimed.
Relatives for Justice chief executive Mark Thompson last night voiced concerns about plans by the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee to examine the controversial British government plans.
Last month Secretary of State Brandon Lewis sparked anger when he suggested that only Troubles killings with "compelling" new evidence and a realistic prospect of prosecution will receive a full police investigation.
The British government has also suggested some cases may be closed and a bar placed on reopening them.
Earlier this week Simon Hoare said the “inquiry will provide a forum for people to share their views, and the committee will do all in its power to help ensure that forthcoming legislation is balanced, fair and appropriate to the circumstances in Northern Ireland”.
Sinn Féin MP Francie Molloy described the Government's proposals as "wholly unacceptable".
"It is clear those proposals are designed to undermine the mechanisms already agreed by the British Government, the Irish Government and the political parties in the Stormont House Agreement.
"This is a further attempt to deny access to truth to families, some of whom have been waiting up to 50 years....
"Instead of coming up with new proposals and inquiring into them, leading to further delays, the British Government needs to fulfil its obligations and immediately implement the legacy mechanisms contained in the Stormont House Agreement in a human rights-compliant manner."
Mr Thompson added: “This committee does not hold the confidence of the many thousands of people from across our entire community bereaved and injured as a result of collusion and direct state violence.
“This Committee has traditionally ignored their voice and experiences.
“Rather than bringing scrutiny it will ultimately provide cover for the agenda of the British government, an agenda that subverts the rule of law and continues to protect and shield British soldiers from being held accountable.”
