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Northern Ireland: Legacy of the Troubles

My Lords, much of what we have heard in the last hour or so has not come as a surprise to many of us. I am reminded of a phone message I received from Northern Ireland early this

morning, from one of the families that I have been literally living with since they were faced with the tragedy of a murder in the Troubles. Speaking as the former archbishop who led so many of the clergy during the Troubles, I say that my clergy have often heard good words, promising much and never being able to deliver.

I speak from my heart—I did not intend to contribute today because we have heard it all before, but I will just put into words what many people listening to this debate in Northern Ireland would say: “We have heard it all before”. We have heard the promises. We have heard the good intentions. We do not doubt the morality of those who say these things, but we plead with those who have the political power to deliver now, at the 11th hour: “Please back up your words with actions”. I am still dealing with the children of those whom I buried; I am still dealing with the children of families that will never be the same again; and I am still in touch with those who served in the forces of the Crown during the Troubles, at great personal cost. I reassure the House that they are listening today, yet again, to wonderful words and promises. I beg you, “Back up your words with actions”.