Northern Ireland Exiles

EDM number 616 in 2001-02, proposed by Lembit Opik on 19/12/2001.

That this House notes that many people have been and, in far too many cases, remain exiled from their homes and loved ones in Northern Ireland owing to threats of paramilitary intimidation, assault and murder; echoes the comment of the Victims' Commissioner, Sir Kenneth Bloomfield that 'it would be a strange aspect of any society attempting reconciliation if convicted prisoners were able to return home while unconvicted people felt unsafe to do so'; contrasts this continuing scandal of paramilitary fatwas with current negotiations to waive outstanding legal proceedings against several members of the Provisional IRA - the 'On-the-Runs' - who are wanted in connection with terrorist offences, including murder in Northern Ireland, but who are living outside UK jurisdiction; and urges the British and Irish Governments to bring pressure to bear, in their discussions with the paramilitary-linked parties, to lift their expulsion orders and threats against those who have been exiled so that they can return home in safety from this Christmas.

This motion has been signed by a total of 26 MPs.