Sinn Féin Raise 'Deep Concerns' Over Ending Of Prosecutions Of British Soldiers

Sinn Féin Leader and Deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, has said that she has "deep concerns" over a British government decision to "end inquests, judicial reviews, civil cases and also prosecution cases involving British soldiers already before the courts".

Mrs O'Neill raised the issue after the Public Prosecution Service announced that it would not be continuing with a case against two former British soldiers, facing charges of murder and attempted murder in connection with 'Bloody Sunday'.

Mrs O'Neill has written to the British Secretary of State looking for an urgent response to questions on the British government's legacy proposals before any Party Leaders meeting.

She said: "I wrote to the British Secretary of State on May 10 to highlight my objections about his amnesty proposals.

"My party colleagues also raised a number of questions at a meeting on May 20 in respect of whether the British government's legacy proposals seek to end inquests, judicial reviews, civil cases and also prosecution cases involving British soldiers already before the courts.

"Following this week's Legacy Roundtable meeting I am seeking an urgent response to questions posed verbally and in writing in advance of a meeting of party leaders.

"If the current legacy process is to deliver for victims, in a human rights compliant manner, a clear and unambiguous statement is required from the British government as to whether: 

• There is an intention to introduce an amnesty or statute of limitation for British state forces? 

• There is an intention to interfere with due legal process in respect of legacy inquests, judicial reviews, civil cases or prosecution cases involving British soldiers already before the courts? 

"The British government's response to these questions will indicate whether this is a serious process designed to enhance the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement to deliver for victims.

"Or is this simply a vehicle to buy time, and create the impression of engagement and consultation, until the autumn when the British government brings forward its legacy legislation.

"I have also raised my objections with the Irish government and urged them as co-signatories of the Stormont House Agreement to stand up for its implementation and for the right of victims to have access to truth and justice."