Northern Ireland

British government accused of being 'hands off' over RHI crisis

Former secretary of state Peter Hain
Former secretary of state Peter Hain Former secretary of state Peter Hain

The British government has been accused of being "hands off rather than hands on" during the crisis in Northern Ireland by a Labour former cabinet minister.

Lord Hain, who served as secretary of state under Tony Blair, stressed the need for top-level ministerial involvement, given that the parties at Stormont "are not going to sort this out on their own".

His criticism was rejected by Northern Ireland minister Lord Dunlop, who insisted the government had been "actively engaged".

He also pledged to "leave no stone unturned" to ensure the resumption of powersharing following the upcoming elections.

There are fears a divisive campaign will make reaching agreement even less likely and raises the spectre of a return to direct rule if a new administration cannot be formed within the required three weeks on the other side of the March 2 poll.

Speaking in the House of Lords, Lord Hain said: "Why is it that the government gives the distinct impression of being hands off rather than hands on during this escalating crisis?

"Clearly, the parties, since their relations have deteriorated so terribly, are not going to sort this out on their own, even after an election.

"It's vital that the secretary of state and the prime minister convene meetings, whether summits or other gatherings, to bring the parties together and that they do so with the taoiseach as well.

"The Irish government –regardless of joint sovereignty arguments which are irrelevant in this – the Irish government is very influential and must be brought in."

Lord Dunlop said: "Both the prime minister and secretary of state for Northern Ireland have been very actively engaged in talking to the taoiseach and talking to the parties in Northern Ireland.

"We will continue to leave no stone unturned to ensure that we are in the best possible position after the election to re-establish a fully functioning executive."

Tory former defence minister Lord Robathan questioned what "the hiatus" would mean for former police officers and soldiers facing legal action over historical killings during the Troubles.

He said: "They went out and served in Northern Ireland to serve both sides of the community.

"They are being prosecuted disproportionately compared to the terrorists they were protecting the community from."

Lord Dunlop agreed the current situation was "unsatisfactory".

"It absolutely remains a priority for the government to build a consensus on this issue and find a way forward," he said.