Call For Victim Compensation Of The Troubles To Be Prioritised

Former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Peter Hain has called for victim compensation to be prioritised over investigations into Troubles deaths.

The call comes as the current Secretary of State Karen Bradley is considering a £150 million strategy for legacy investigations.

Lord Hain and seven other signatories submitted a letter opposing the investigations, claiming it is not the best possible use of the money.

The government consultation document, Addressing The Legacy of Northern Ireland's Past, proposes a Historical Investigations Unit to continue outstanding investigations into deaths relating to the Northern Ireland conflict.

Rather than funding the investigations, Lord Hain suggested the money be used for victim support, not "costly investigations that on past evidence would not deliver justice for victims".

The letter of opposition says only a small number of investigations into past cases actually lead to prosecutions.

"We understand why many victims and others attach great importance to the prosecution, conviction and sentencing of those responsible for the appalling loss they have suffered," the letter reads.

"But experience suggests that it would be a mistake to expect judicial outcome in any but a tiny percentage of the crimes that have not already been dealt with."

Signatories on the letter include former Northern Ireland Secretary of States Lord King, Lord Reid, Lord Murphy and Lord Hain as well former Northern Ireland office minister Lord Browne.

Legacy investigation strategies have been a sticking point between the DUP and Sinn Fein in several rounds of failed negotiations to restore devolved government at Stormont, since it's collapse in January 2017.

(JG)