I thank all of the Kenova team for their work. Over the past decade, they have shown that, almost 28 years since the Good Friday Agreement, legacy investigations and reviews can work. It is clear that the Kenova team has gone about this complex and sensitive work with care, placing victims and families at the heart of its endeavours. That is as it should be. In both the interim and final reports, the Kenova team is unsparing in its criticism of both the Provisional IRA and the failings of the British state. In Jon Boutcher’s own words, the actions of the Provisional IRA were the most “shameful and evil” he has ever encountered. Kenova found evidence that the Provisional IRA “took violent and punitive action against women and children in their family homes while detaining and torturing loved ones suspected of being agents”. As recommended by Kenova, it is time those responsible acknowledge and accept, finally, that these crimes were wrong, and apologise to the victims and the families who have suffered at their hands. Kenova also raises serious questions about the activities of British state forces in the running of agents, finding “clear evidence of collusion with loyalist paramilitaries by state actors.” For Jon Boutcher to conclude that it is probable that Stakeknife’s continued operation as an agent “resulted in more lives being lost than saved” is a damning indictment of a state apparatus that was meant to protect people at a time of conflict. Although Operation Denton does not provide evidence of collusion occurring at a political or strategic level, there is clear evidence that “paramilitary groups were regularly supplied with intelligence by members of the security forces”. This is deeply shocking and disturbing. I am conscious of the debate currently taking place in Westminster on legacy. This debate must, first and foremost, be about victims. Some try to make it only about veterans. Whether paramilitary groups or individual members of the security forces, when you commit a crime, you should face the consequences of your actions. Let us also recall that there are many among the community of victims, survivors and families who themselves are veterans, having served in the British Army or the RUC during the Troubles. However, the idea that members of the security forces have faced disproportionate investigation or prosecution is divorced from the facts on the ground. The vast majority of those prosecuted for Troubles-related offences to date - tens of thousands of loyalists and republicans - have been members of paramilitary groups. Between 250,000 and 300,000 British soldiers served in Northern Ireland during Operation Banner. Only 29, or 0.01%, were prosecuted for murder or manslaughter. We must continue to discuss the past on the basis of objectivity and evidence, just as Operations Kenova and Denton have done. In relation to Operation Denton specifically, I am disappointed that publication of the full report has been delayed by legal challenges. It is my hope that we will see the publication of the full report as soon as possible. As laid out by the Minister, Deputy O’Callaghan, the families of those killed in the Dublin and Monaghan bombings have waited more than 50 years for answers, and the Denton report can be an important contribution. The joint framework on legacy announced by the two Governments last September was a significant moment - the first agreement of its kind in over a decade. With it, we now have an agreed way forward on legacy, with reciprocal co-operation on investigations, inquiries and inquests at its core. Implementation will be key in both jurisdictions. Legislation is currently making its way through the House of Commons, and we are working hard, at pace, on our own implementation. This Government will not be found wanting. The findings from Operation Kenova bring to the fore the dark and violent events of our past. To leave the legacy of the Troubles unresolved is to hold back the essential work of reconciliation. It is to allow trauma to pass down the generations. The Kenova team has shown us that there is a way forward. It means placing victims, survivors and families, from all communities, at the centre of our work. This is what the joint framework aims to do. It gives us a chance to end this cycle. It lays the ground for a profound transformation, one that will facilitate greater truth, accountability and, where possible, justice for victims and their families.

Sentiment score: -0.08