Troubles pension stalemate a "crime against humanity" - victims campaigner

By Q Radio news

A vicims campaigner says the long running stalemate over who should fund a Troubles pension in Northern Ireland is a "crime against humanity". 

Margart McGuckin of the Savia group says victims have been left in limbo once more - as political wrangling continues between Belfast and London.

Finance Minister Conor Murphy says the Secretary of State Brandon Lewis has refused to meet the First and Deputy First Ministers, the Justice Minister or himself over the matter.

A victims campaigner says the long running stalemate over who should fund a Troubles pension is a "crime against humanity". Margaret McGuckin of SAVIA says victims have been left in limbo once more - as political wrangling continues between Belfast and London. pic.twitter.com/Y9EizqVsVk

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) January 19, 2021

The campaigner told Q Radio a dispute over who may be eligible for the pension shouldn't hold up an agreement:

Stormont Finance Minister Conor Murphy said the London government should fund the payments because the legislation was passed at Westminster.

It has been estimated the payments could cost £800 million.

Announcing the draft budget for 2021/22 to the Assembly on Monday, Mr Murphy said Secretary of State Brandon Lewis has yet to provide funding for the scheme.

Mr Murphy also said that Mr Lewis refused to meet First Minister Arlene Foster, Deputy First Minister Michelle Lewis, Justice Minister Naomi Long or himself over the matter.

“The Executive is fully committed to delivering these payments and in line with the British Government’s own Statement of Funding Policy, it is the responsibility of the British Government to provide the necessary funding,” he told MLAs.

“I hope that the Secretary of State will meet with Executive ministers to discuss how the significant costs involved, which the Justice Minister has estimated may be as much as £800 million, will be funded.”

Stormont’s department of justice was designated to administer the scheme last September.

It is anticipated it will open for applications in March.

A UK Government spokesperson said: “The Secretary of State has been consistent in his support for the Victims’ Payment Scheme.

“He has always been clear that the devolved funding settlement means that the Executive is funded through the block grant, together with its own revenue-raising capabilities, to deliver its statutory responsibilities, including this scheme.”