Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Naomi Long (Alliance). It was answered on Tuesday, 1 November 2011 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Grand Committee.

Dealing with the Past

Question: I thank the Minister for a very thoughtful response. I accept that there is as yet no consensus on how to deal with the past, but there has been at least some consensus in the Assembly on the passing of a recent motion, proposed by my colleagues there, that the Government should take a lead on convening talks to find consensus. Will the Minister at least undertake to give that detailed consideration and to provide a response to the Assembly on the issue?

Answer: I congratulate the hon. Lady’s party on tabling the motion—last week, I think. Since then, the Secretary of State has met Mr Speaker and a number of others to discuss this matter. We are genuinely committed to playing our part, but this is not owned by the national Government in Westminster; it must be done locally. Of course we have a part to play, and we will play it fully, but our part must be a part, not with us as the sole participant. Given the recent motion in the Assembly, we will renew our efforts to work collectively to try to reach some kind of conclusion as to how we can deal with this matter, although I repeat that I do not believe that we can ever draw a line under it completely.

Secondary information