Colonel Gaddafi-sponsored IRA terrorism report author was advised not to engage with victims as it would 'raise expectations'

Mr. William Shawcross presented evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee on Wednesday morning.

Mr. Shawcross' appearance before the committee came less than 24 hours after the government said it would not be publishing the 90 page report.

The chair of the committee, MP for South Dorset, Simon Hoare (Conservative), described the government's decision not to publish the report and the subsequent impact upon victims as "cruelty".

Mr. Shawcross said he too was "disappointed" and "surprised" at the written statement made by the Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa, James Cleverly MP, on Tuesday.

Mr. Cleverly not only ruled out publishing the report but he also said the government would not be using the £12 billion of assets to fund a compensation scheme.

Mr. Cleverly said it was the responsibility of the Libyan government to provide victims with compensation.

On March 16, 2019 the then Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt MP, announced he had appointed Mr. Shawcross as his Special Representative on UK victims of Qadhafi-sponsored IRA terrorism.

"The precise terms of reference are being finalised, but among the issues Mr Shawcross will advise on is the amount of compensation that should be sought," read the press release issued by the government on March 16, 2019.

Mr. Shawcross told the committee that he knew "within days" of his appointment that he would be able to recommend compensation.

"I was strongly advised by people I respected in Northern Ireland not to approach victims directly as it would add too much to peoples' expectations," Mr. Shawcross told the committee.

Mr. Shawcross also said he was unable to identify an accurate number of potential claimants and explained how someone in Northern Ireland told him that the issue was of such great complexity that it was effectively impossible to resolve.

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