Swann calls on Government to back legacy investigations for victims of sexual violence

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has continued his campaign to ensure that victims of Troubles related sexual violence are not left behind by new legacy legislation. The move follows an Ulster Unionist Party motion on the issue receiving unanimous cross-party support in Stormont.

The motion called on the UK Government to ensure that crimes of a sexual nature are included as separate qualifying criteria for a legacy investigation by the new Legacy Commission. Under current proposals an investigation can only be triggered in cases of death or serious injury. Mr Swann, and now the Northern Ireland Assembly, believe this position is no longer acceptable and that sexual offences must stand alone as a qualifying factor.

Following the successful Assembly vote and a clear signal of support from the First Minister and deputy First Minister’s office, Swann has written to the Secretary of State to urge the Government to either back his proposed amendment to the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill or bring forward their own wording to address the gap in the law.

Speaking on the need for a change in the law, Mr Swann said:

"The Assembly has sent a clear and united message that crimes of a sexual nature have a traumatic and long-lasting impact on victims and their families. It is not enough for the Northern Ireland Office to suggest that these cases are covered only if they result in death or serious injury. That position no longer stands and it ignores the unique impact of sexual violence.

"It would not be right to expect an overstretched and under resourced PSNI to investigate these cases when a Legacy Commission is being established. These often-overlooked crimes must be given the same status as other serious Troubles related offences.

"I am very pleased by the unanimous support in Stormont, and I am now calling on the Government in Westminster to listen. Victims of sexual violence deserve the right to seek the truth and see a proper investigation."

Mr Swann concluded:

“I want to thank the MPs from the DUP, SDLP, Alliance Party and TUV, as well as Alex Easton MP, for adding their names to this amendment. It’s great to be able to show this cross-party support in both the Assembly and Westminster.”