Swann Presses Government to Act on Human Rights Committee Recommendations for Troubles Bill

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has challenged the Leader of the House of Commons, seeking assurances that Ministers will fully consider key recommendations from the Joint Committee on Human Rights before the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill moves to its next legislative stage.

The cross-party committee recently published a report warning that the Bill requires crucial improvements to secure public confidence, strengthen the independence of the Legacy Commission, broaden definitions to protect victims' families and resolve persistent funding uncertainties.

Raising the issue during Business Questions in the House of Commons, the Ulster Unionist MP asked whether the Government would take on board these findings and pressed for an updated timeline for the Bill's progress.

He also asked for a clear update on the remedial order previously brought by the Government, as it hasn't passed to the House of Lords, he asked to clarity as to its current standing and legitimacy.

In response, the Leader of the House committed to raising Mr Swann’s points directly with Ministers and delivering an update as soon as possible.

Speaking after the exchange, Mr Swann said:

"The recent report from the Joint Committee on Human Rights reinforces what we have been saying all along, that his legislation cannot be rushed through without fixing its core flaws.

"The Government must not press ahead until these vital human rights concerns, and critical amendments are fully addressed. I will continue to hold Ministers to account to ensure we deliver a clear timeline and a legacy framework that puts innocent victims first."