NORTHERN IRELAND EXILES

Early day motion 616, tabled 19 December 2001 by Lembit Öpik (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 26 members.

That this House notes that many people have been and, in far too many cases, remain exiled from their homes and loved ones in Northern Ireland owing to threats of paramilitary intimidation, assault and murder; echoes the comment of the Victims' Commissioner, Sir Kenneth Bloomfield that 'it would be a strange aspect of any society attempting reconciliation if convicted prisoners were able to return home while unconvicted people felt unsafe to do so'; contrasts this continuing scandal of paramilitary fatwas with current negotiations to waive outstanding legal proceedings against several members of the Provisional IRA - the 'On-the-Runs' - who are wanted in connection with terrorist offences, including murder in Northern Ireland, but who are living outside UK jurisdiction; and urges the British and Irish Governments to bring pressure to bear, in their discussions with the paramilitary-linked parties, to lift their expulsion orders and threats against those who have been exiled so that they can return home in safety from this Christmas.

Signatures by party: Labour 10, Liberal Democrat 8, Conservative 3, UUP 3, Labour/Co-operative 2.