IRA Docklands victims condemn government amnesty plans

Victims of the IRA Docklands bombing have condemned government proposals to end prosecutions for Troubles offences as “immoral and abhorrent”.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Aug 2021, 21:15 BST
Updated 4th Aug 2021, 21:24 BST
A bomb-damaged building at Canary Wharf in London's Docklands after the explosion of an IRA bomb that signalled the end of the ceasefire, 15th February 1996. (Photo by Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)A bomb-damaged building at Canary Wharf in London's Docklands after the explosion of an IRA bomb that signalled the end of the ceasefire, 15th February 1996. (Photo by Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
A bomb-damaged building at Canary Wharf in London's Docklands after the explosion of an IRA bomb that signalled the end of the ceasefire, 15th February 1996. (Photo by Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Two people were killed and many others injured by the IRA bomb, which had been left in a lorry in the London Docklands on February 9 1996.

Some of those who were hurt, as well as family members of victims, met with officials from the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) yesterday to outline their opposition to the government plans.

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Last month, Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis announced that he intends to introduce legislation to create a proposed statute of limitations which would end all prosecutions for incidents up to April 1998 and would apply to military veterans as well as ex-paramilitaries.

The proposals, which Prime Minister Boris Johnson said would allow Northern Ireland to “draw a line under the Troubles”, would also end all legacy inquests and civil actions related to the conflict.

The plan has been heavily criticised by all the main political parties in Northern Ireland as well as the Irish government, and a range of victims’ and survivors’ groups.

A statement on behalf of the Docklands Victims Association said: “This has caused immense distress to all the innocent victims of the Troubles.

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“On behalf of all the victims of the Troubles within mainland GB, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland we have expressed to the Northern Ireland Office our concerns as we feel very strongly that no amnesty should be issued.

“The killing of innocent people, including children, and leaving people severely disabled are undoubtedly crimes against humanity and should never be given immunity from prosecution.

“This would be immoral and abhorrent to any civilised society.”

Jonathan Ganesh, who was injured in the 1996 bombing, said: “Our offices have been inundated with calls, letters and emails concerning the UK Government’s proposal. I was pleased to meet with the NIO but I do not feel they have thought this policy through.”

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