Historical Institutional Abuse Bill must pass through Westminster without delay, says Bradshaw

Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw has said legislation to implement the recommendations of the Hart Inquiry into Historical Institutional Abuse must now pass through Westminster without delay, after draft legislation was forwarded to the Northern Ireland Office by the Executive Office.

The South Belfast MLA stated: “We have now cleared all the hurdles necessary to ensure victims of Historical Institutional Abuse receive the compensation and acknowledgement they so need and desire. It would be appalling for there to be any further delay at this stage, with legislation now prepared for passage.

“There can be no delay on this because victims have too long been victims of political gridlock. This double victimisation cannot continue.

“All Assembly parties have agreed on the legislation to go forward, and it is now ready and drafted as the Historical Institutional Abuse (Northern Ireland) Bill.

“Given the legislation arises from a consultation and has already been scrutinised by the Northern Ireland parties, there is no reason whatsoever it should not have speedy passage through Westminster to become law. For the sake of the victims, there can and must be no further delay.”