The controversial Bill to tackle Northern Ireland’s troubled past is still open to negotiations, the Secretary of State has said. Shailesh Vara was speaking during a visit to Londonderry on Thursday, the day after Northern Ireland Office minister Lord Caine held talks with victims’ groups. The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill has already been through the House of Commons and heads to the House of Lords in the autumn. “A legacy Bill is going through Parliament but it is still open to negotiations, it is open to consultation, we are still in listening mode, we are still talking, there is still room for making amendments,” he told the BBC. “Rather than ducking and diving from families, the British Secretary of State should listen to their views and respect their wishes.”

Source: The Herald August 18, 2022 23:28 UTC