Labour NI spokeswoman on why she is backing Finucane inquiry amid thousands of unsolved murders

The Labour MP who is leading the party’s policy on Northern Ireland has set out her reasons for backing an inquiry into the killing of Pat Finucane.
By Adam Kula
Published 27th Oct 2020, 11:01 BST
Louise HaighLouise Haigh
Louise Haigh

Today, Louise Haigh issued a statement about the issue, calling the killing in 1989 “shocking” and demanding that the government set up an independent inquiry into the shooting.

Ms Haigh had risen to ministerial level under Jeremy Corbyn, who made her Minister of State for Policing.

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She has remained in the shadow cabinet despite Mr Corbyn’s departure and replacement by Kier Starmer.

The News Letter asked a number of questions of the Sheffield MP (who, at 33, is one of the youngest people in parliament).

These included whether she condemns the IRA (something Mr Corbyn famously declined to do on the Nolan Show), which Troubles victims she had met besides Mr Finucane, and what her stance is regarding the thousands and thousands of other unsolved murders which are not going to be made the subject of public inquiries.

Ms Haigh said: “I have engaged and met with victims across communities since being appointed in April, including Wave Trauma and the victims’ forum.

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“Last month, I met with the South East Fermanagh Foundation where I heard first hand from those who suffered as a result of the violence of the IRA.

“I unequivocally condemn this violence, which has left a legacy of suffering that has passed down the generations.

“That’s why I firmly believe there must a comprehensive solution to the issue of legacy and the thousands of murders from the Troubles, many of which never received an effective investigation.

“To be successful, any approach has to engage fully with victims. Families have had to wait too long for resolution, and it is time that was delivered.

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“The Finucane family were given an unequivocal guarantee that a public inquiry would take place.

“In the words of the Supreme Court ‘previous investigations hampered, if not indeed prevented, the uncovering of truth about his murder’.

“With the UK in breach of our legal obligations, we have a duty to uphold the rule of law and a responsibility to deliver on those commitments made.”

CLICK HERE: Night Jeremy Corbyn stood in honour of dead IRA terrorists

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CLICK HERE: Ex-top RUC man: Will Labour back public inquiries for other families – not just the Finucanes?

READ MORE FROM THE NEWS LETTER:

CLICK HERE: Widow of Stephen Carroll speaks out after Channel 4 News gives platform to his killer

CLICK HERE: NI motorists warned about travelling south of border due to hundreds of checkpoints

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