Former Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has warned that there is a need for caution around reports that the British government is to “take the first steps in scrapping those elements of the Legacy Act that discriminate against some former internees.”
Mr. Adams said:
“We need to see the detail of what is being proposed, especially in light of the British Prime Minister’s comments.
“The decision by the Supreme Court in 2020 was explicit. Interim Custody Orders not authorised and approved by the Secretary of State are illegal. The British government has accepted this. It is a breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.
“When the legislation is changed there will almost certainly be further legal process in the courts before there is clarity on this matter. But no one should be surprised by a British government seeking to dodge its lawful and human rights responsibilities.
“Mr. Starmer’s comments reflect the infamous assertion of British General Frank Kitson who said: ‘The law should be used as just another weapon in the government’s arsenal, in which case it becomes little more than a propaganda cover for the disposal of unwanted members of the public’.”
