12/09/2024
Hilary Benn Announces Public Inquiry Into Pat Finucane Murder
Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, has announced a decision to establish an independent inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 into the murder of Patrick Finucane.
The 39-year-old solicitor was shot dead at his home in front of his wife and children by loyalist paramilitaries in February 1989.
Previous investigations of Mr Finucane's murder have recorded evidence of state collusion.
Highlighting that the new UK government take their human rights obligations, and its responsibilities to victims and survivors of the Troubles, "extremely seriously", Hilary Benn said: "The plain fact is that two decades on, the commitment made by the Government – first in the agreement with the Irish Government, and then to this House - to establish an inquiry into the death of Mr Finucane remains unfulfilled.
"It is for this exceptional reason that I have decided to establish an independent inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane under the 2005 Inquiries Act." Welcoming the announcement, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP, said: "I welcome the decisive intervention made by the Labour Government today. Calling a public inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane is long overdue but it remains the right and just course of action.
"Geraldine and her family have been forced to fight for an Article 2 compliant investigation into Pat's murder for far too long. Despite clear commitments entered into under agreements reached at Weston Park and the recommendations of Judge Peter Cory, they have been badly let down by successive governments that have reneged on promises and instead deliberately and agonisingly delayed truth and justice. It is a story that is far too familiar to victims and survivors from every community.
"Last month I wrote to Prime Minister Keir Starmer urging him to act following the significant Court of Appeal ruling in Belfast. I am pleased for Geraldine and her family that they will now get the investigation they should have had decades ago.
"This must be a turning point for legacy investigations. It should be the moment where we agree to deal with the past comprehensively and ethically. The SDLP remains committed to that position and we will engage with the government in good faith as they consult on the way forward for legacy investigations. We cannot fail victims and survivors again."
The 39-year-old solicitor was shot dead at his home in front of his wife and children by loyalist paramilitaries in February 1989.
Previous investigations of Mr Finucane's murder have recorded evidence of state collusion.
Highlighting that the new UK government take their human rights obligations, and its responsibilities to victims and survivors of the Troubles, "extremely seriously", Hilary Benn said: "The plain fact is that two decades on, the commitment made by the Government – first in the agreement with the Irish Government, and then to this House - to establish an inquiry into the death of Mr Finucane remains unfulfilled.
"It is for this exceptional reason that I have decided to establish an independent inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane under the 2005 Inquiries Act." Welcoming the announcement, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP, said: "I welcome the decisive intervention made by the Labour Government today. Calling a public inquiry into the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane is long overdue but it remains the right and just course of action.
"Geraldine and her family have been forced to fight for an Article 2 compliant investigation into Pat's murder for far too long. Despite clear commitments entered into under agreements reached at Weston Park and the recommendations of Judge Peter Cory, they have been badly let down by successive governments that have reneged on promises and instead deliberately and agonisingly delayed truth and justice. It is a story that is far too familiar to victims and survivors from every community.
"Last month I wrote to Prime Minister Keir Starmer urging him to act following the significant Court of Appeal ruling in Belfast. I am pleased for Geraldine and her family that they will now get the investigation they should have had decades ago.
"This must be a turning point for legacy investigations. It should be the moment where we agree to deal with the past comprehensively and ethically. The SDLP remains committed to that position and we will engage with the government in good faith as they consult on the way forward for legacy investigations. We cannot fail victims and survivors again."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 November 2024
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
Justice Minister Announces Additional Funding For Department
Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the allocation of an additional £39.3 million to the Department of Justice following the October Monitoring Round. This funding will be used to address various pressures within the justice system, including those arising from the civil disorder during the summer.
19 November 2024
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
14 November 2024
Belfast Christmas Market Announces Dublin Express As Official Travel Partner
Belfast Christmas Market is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in style, with the announcement of Dublin Express as its official travel partner. Opening its gates on November 16th at 12 noon, the market is expected to attract over a million visitors.
Belfast Christmas Market Announces Dublin Express As Official Travel Partner
Belfast Christmas Market is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in style, with the announcement of Dublin Express as its official travel partner. Opening its gates on November 16th at 12 noon, the market is expected to attract over a million visitors.
23 February 2004
Finucane family press Stevens on murder inquiry progress
The family of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have met with Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir John Stevens to discuss the progress of the investigation into his murder.
Finucane family press Stevens on murder inquiry progress
The family of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane have met with Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir John Stevens to discuss the progress of the investigation into his murder.
26 November 2001
Finucane accused case collapses
The case against the man charged with aiding and abetting in the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane 12 years ago has collapsed. Lord Chief Justice Sir Robert Carswell returned a verdict of not guilty in the absence of evidence against William Stobie at Belfast Crown Court on Monday November 26.
Finucane accused case collapses
The case against the man charged with aiding and abetting in the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane 12 years ago has collapsed. Lord Chief Justice Sir Robert Carswell returned a verdict of not guilty in the absence of evidence against William Stobie at Belfast Crown Court on Monday November 26.