19/08/2021

Sinn Féin Calls On Secretary Of State To Withdraw Amnesty Proposals

Sinn Féin has called on the British Secretary of State to withdraw amnesty proposals.

Describing the amnesty proposals as "an insult to victims" Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said: "The British government's amnesty proposals for state forces are an insult to victims.

"Today British Secretary of State Brandon Lewis met with former British military veterans to discuss amnesty proposals that will directly benefit them but yet refuses to engage with relatives of those killed by British state.

"Today's meeting further highlights the one-sided and differential approach adopted by the British government when it comes to addressing its role in the conflict.

"Brandon Lewis should immediately withdraw his amnesty proposals.

"He should meet with the families who are campaigning for truth and outline to them exactly how he plans to implement the Stormont House Agreement legacy mechanisms in a victim-centred and human rights compliant manner."

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

27 July 2021
Brandon Lewis Urged To Withdraw Controversial Amnesty Proposals
Sinn Féin have called on the Secretary of State Brandon Lewis to withdraw controversial amnesty proposals and instead commit to implementing the Stormont House Agreement.
12 October 2021
Amnesty Proposal Would Help Cover-Up Glenanne Gang Murder - SF
The British Government amnesty proposal is about protecting British state forces including those involved in the murder of Irish citizens, Sinn Féin's Gerry Kelly has said. The MLA was commenting following an admission by a member of the Glenanne Gang on "the high levels of collusion".
20 October 2021
Sinn Féin Renews Call For Amnesty Proposal To Be Scrapped
Sinn Féin has renewed their call for the British government to scrap its amnesty proposals.
11 August 2021
Amnesty Proposal 'Thwarts Access To Truth' – UN
The UK government's proposal to end conflict related prosecutions "thwarts access to truth", the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has said.
28 October 2021
Brandon Lewis 'Tone Deaf' To Victims - SF
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, has been accused of being "tone deaf" to the voices of victims of the conflict following comments that he is "absolutely committed" to bringing forward his amnesty proposals.