Campaigners return to Westminster to demand an end to the Troubles amnesty plan
Victims of the unrest will return to Westminster this week as they step up their campaign against a proposed ban on future conflict-related prosecutions.
In July, the government announced plans for a statute of limitations that would end all prosecutions for the Troubles incidents until April 1998.
Military veterans as well as ex-paramilitaries would be protected from prosecution under the measure.
The proposals would also end all investigations and civil actions related to the conflict.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the measures would allow Northern Ireland to “end the unrest”.
The plan has been heavily criticized by all major political parties in Northern Ireland as well as by the Irish government and a range of victim and survivor groups.
A group of bereaved families has garnered support from politicians north and south of the border in their campaign against the proposals.
Several of those elected will join the victims at a meeting in Westminster on Tuesday.
Ahead of the visit, Raymond McCord, whose son was murdered by loyalist paramilitaries in north Belfast in 1997, said: “Our Prime Minister disrespects the victims and families of terrorism by telling them what to do with it. not even trying to achieve justice, truth and peace and granting amnesty to murderers and rapists, he will contribute to reconciliation and help victims and families move on. Who believes that? I don’t know a single victim.
“Destroying the truth by dismantling the justice system is the action of a madman or a dictator hiding the involvement of the state. A Prime Minister who is afraid of the truth.
Mr McCord said the victims involved in the campaign came from all sections of the community.
“Together we have asked all the major parties on the island of Ireland to sign a document rejecting the proposals and supporting our inter-community group,” he said.
“Together we made history on a divided island with these signatures.
“It was a first and we haven’t finished yet. This is unheard of with all parties signing the same agreement document. Even the Good Friday Agreement has not been signed by all parties. The power to do the right thing.
“Then we are heading to London for the third time to continue the battle for truth and justice on Tuesday in Westminster, to hopefully meet all the parties represented there and they stand by our side and support no only us but all victims and in agreement with the parts of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
“In almost 24 years since my son was murdered, I can honestly say that this group of victims is as good as anyone I have ever met.
“We are not Protestant victims or Catholic victims, we are victims. I am proud of what we have achieved so far and I am proud to call them all my friends.
“Honest and honorable people betrayed by a Prime Minister who has no empathy, compassion or concern for the thousands of men, women or children murdered and some raped as well.
“We call on all citizens of the UK to reject these proposals, to stand up to Boris Johnson and his selfish proposals to dismantle justice as he tries to hide the truth about the murders of thousands of innocent people.
“He just doesn’t care about truth or justice and these are words that are not part of his vocabulary. “