Jon Boutcher defends his presence at secret Lambeth Palace talks on legacy

The head of the legacy investigation team Operation Kenova has explained his attendance at London talks to discuss how to resolve Northern Ireland’s past.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Dec 2020, 12:37 BST
Updated 7th Dec 2020, 12:52 BST
The former Bedfordshire Police chief constable Jon Boutcher who is head of Operation KenovaThe former Bedfordshire Police chief constable Jon Boutcher who is head of Operation Kenova
The former Bedfordshire Police chief constable Jon Boutcher who is head of Operation Kenova

Jon Boutcher was responding after critics including the former Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt queried why he was present at discussions on how to approach legacy when he is investigating legacy cases.

Mr Boutcher told the News Letter: “I accepted an invitation to an event hosted by the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace last month as head of Operation Kenova.

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“The invite came about due to the high regard people have expressed for Operation Kenova, most importantly by victims but also wider stakeholders.

“I have not declined any meeting since starting Operation Kenova and I am routinely asked to explain my approach and how delivering a legacy process can be achievable.

“I did not discuss Kenova cases. I have always been clear ... that victims have been repeatedly let down and should be at the heart of any legacy discussions – it is they who have the moral authority in deciding what any future legacy framework should be.”

• Mike Nesbitt: Jon Boutcher cannot head Operation Kenova and at the same time attend secret talks about legacy

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Related topics:Northern IrelandLondonMike NesbittUlster Unionist Party