Government statement on the Saville Inquiry

• Video and audio: The Saville Inquiry statement
• Lords Hansard: The Saville Inquiry statement
• Report: Report of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry [external website]

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon as interim spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Office responded on behalf of the opposition. Lord Alderdice, Lord Maginnis of Drumglass, Lord Morris of Aberavon, Lord Trimble, Lord Dubs, Lord Hamilton of Epson and Lord Morrow also commented in the time available to respond.

Issues raised included:

• the record of service of the security forces in Northern Ireland
• the earlier Widgery Inquiry into the same events
• the contribution of the Saville Inquiry’s findings and the Government apology to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland
• whether there is a case for prosecuting soldiers identified in the report
• the many other deaths in Northern Ireland that have not been subject to inquiry.

Lord Strathclyde said there would be opportunity for a full day’s debate on the Saville Inquiry report in the House of Lords in autumn.

Further information

The Government uses statements to make announcements about matters of policy, government actions, and national or international emergencies. Statements are usually read out by a minister but can also be made in writing. A statement can be made in either or both Houses.

Members can respond or question the minister for a limited period following a statement.

• Glossary: Statements