Minister questioned on historical abuse in Northern Ireland

Following news that legislation to compensate victims of historical abuse in Northern Ireland is likely to be delayed, Ian Paisley has asked Northern Ireland Minister John Penrose to make a statement in the House of Commons.

In 2017 The Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Inquiry recommended payments be made to victims, but the process halted when devolution collapsed.

The Minister told MPs:

"I'm happy to reconfirm the commitment made last week in the Lords that in the absence of a sitting assembly in Stormont, the Government will introduce primary legislation before the end of the year to set up a [redress] scheme. None of us can undo what was done in the past, but I hope that by getting scheme underway as I have laid out here today, we can at least provide some level of support and perhaps a little closure for these victims, and for their families."

Responding to the statement, Ian Paisley said:

"There can be no further delay – there is nothing to prevent this legislation being introduced this evening, being voted on tomorrow, and this matter resolved before we go into recess. If the will is there, this can be done."

• Watch Parliament TV: Urgent Question on historical abuse in Northern Ireland
• Read Commons Hansard: urgent question on historical abuse in Northern Ireland

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