NI Secretary to meet with parties over how to deal with legacy
Hilary Benn will meet with the leaders of the four larger political parties which comprise the Stormont Executive in Belfast on Wednesday.
He met with the SDLP on Tuesday.
Speaking ahead of the meetings, Mr Benn emphasised that any new arrangements must have the confidence of bereaved families and of all communities.
The previous government's contentious Legacy Act has been almost universally opposed by political parties and victims groups.
It halted scores of cases going through the courts and inquests concerning the Troubles, and set up the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).
Mr Benn also reiterated that the Government will repeal and replace the Legacy Act.
The ICRIR is expected to be retained.
'This UK Government is committed to (repealing and replacing) the previous government's Legacy Act and to ensuring we have a system that is capable of delivering for all families who are seeking answers around the loss of their loved ones,' he said.
'I am continuing to work with all of the Northern Ireland parties over what should be included in that legislation.
'It is important that new legacy arrangements are capable of commanding the confidence of families and of all communities.'
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Glasgow Times
27 minutes ago
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Antrim Gaels urge Secretary of State to honour promises around Casement Park
It comes as long-awaited plans for the redevelopment of the now derelict ground remain mired in uncertainty. Plans for a 34,000-capacity venue face a major funding gap of around £150 million. Stormont has committed £62.5 million to Casement, while the Irish Government has offered roughly £42 million and the GAA has pledged to contribute at least £15 million. The derelict grounds of the Casement Park stadium (David Young/PA) There has been speculation the UK government will announce next week whether it will plug the remaining funding gap for the estimated £270 million cost. Ahead of that, representatives of South Antrim GAA, including young people from clubs across the county, travelled to the Northern Ireland Office base at Erskine House in Belfast city centre to hand a letter in to Mr Benn. The letter notes that next week will mark the 12th anniversary of the last GAA game to be played at Casement Park. They said while investment in the Windsor Park football stadium and rugby ground at Ravenhill promised in 2011 were delivered, Casement is still waiting. The letter also refers to further disappointment last year when hopes of rebuilding Casement as a venue for the 2028 Euros were dashed. It reminded Mr Benn of an assurance by former secretary of state Chris Heaton-Harris that funding would be found to rebuild Casement. Representatives of South Antrim GAA, including young people from clubs across the county, hand in a letter for Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn at Erskine House in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) 'That promise was as empty as the stands at Casement Park today, and the Euros will now be played elsewhere,' they said. 'The GAA, the Irish Government and the Executive have each made formal commitments to this project, all of which remain firmly in place. 'We are now calling on you as Secretary of State, to honour the commitment given to our members that Casement Park will be built, and that the money will be found.' The letter continued: 'Casement Park will leave a legacy that transforms Gaelic Games in Antrim and Ulster, creating unparalleled sporting and economic opportunities, and enhancing community relations setting the tone for reconciliation that will be remembered for generations to come. 'It's time to stop the dithering and delay. It's time to live up to all the promises and commitments. It's time to finally build Casement.'
Western Telegraph
36 minutes ago
- Western Telegraph
Antrim Gaels urge Secretary of State to honour promises around Casement Park
It comes as long-awaited plans for the redevelopment of the now derelict ground remain mired in uncertainty. Plans for a 34,000-capacity venue face a major funding gap of around £150 million. Stormont has committed £62.5 million to Casement, while the Irish Government has offered roughly £42 million and the GAA has pledged to contribute at least £15 million. The derelict grounds of the Casement Park stadium (David Young/PA) There has been speculation the UK government will announce next week whether it will plug the remaining funding gap for the estimated £270 million cost. Ahead of that, representatives of South Antrim GAA, including young people from clubs across the county, travelled to the Northern Ireland Office base at Erskine House in Belfast city centre to hand a letter in to Mr Benn. The letter notes that next week will mark the 12th anniversary of the last GAA game to be played at Casement Park. They said while investment in the Windsor Park football stadium and rugby ground at Ravenhill promised in 2011 were delivered, Casement is still waiting. The letter also refers to further disappointment last year when hopes of rebuilding Casement as a venue for the 2028 Euros were dashed. It reminded Mr Benn of an assurance by former secretary of state Chris Heaton-Harris that funding would be found to rebuild Casement. Representatives of South Antrim GAA, including young people from clubs across the county, hand in a letter for Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn at Erskine House in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) 'That promise was as empty as the stands at Casement Park today, and the Euros will now be played elsewhere,' they said. 'The GAA, the Irish Government and the Executive have each made formal commitments to this project, all of which remain firmly in place. 'We are now calling on you as Secretary of State, to honour the commitment given to our members that Casement Park will be built, and that the money will be found.' The letter continued: 'Casement Park will leave a legacy that transforms Gaelic Games in Antrim and Ulster, creating unparalleled sporting and economic opportunities, and enhancing community relations setting the tone for reconciliation that will be remembered for generations to come. 'It's time to stop the dithering and delay. It's time to live up to all the promises and commitments. It's time to finally build Casement.'
Rhyl Journal
14 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
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