Hain defends new law on NI fugitives
Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain today defended controversial legislation dealing with terrorists on the run.
The British government argues that the new law, due to be given its second reading in the Commons today, is needed to give momentum to the stalled peace process.
Under the legislation, those wanted by police for offences committed before the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998 will have their slate effectively wiped clean.
The Government faces significant opposition to the proposal within the Commons from Northern Ireland and opposition MPs.
Interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Hain acknowledged that the legislation raises some very difficult issues – but insisted that it is a necessary part of the peace process.
Mr Hain told the programme: “It is not an amnesty. It is a proper judicial process which people will go through, and then emerge, if convicted, on licence.”
He conceded that such people would not have to serve any time in prison.
“That is true, but it is part of bringing closure to the awful dark period of Northern Ireland’s past.
“It is just as after the Good Friday Agreement over 400 paramilitary prisoners were released on licence.
“If they breach the terms of those licences, as some did, they were hauled back in, and this could happen to these people, who are now outside the reach of UK jurisdiction, running free, and not able to be caught or brought to justice.
“This will bring them to justice although they will not serve a prison sentence, but if they breach the terms of their licence, they will be hauled in and begin to serve that sentence.”
