Motion

Motion TitlePublic Inquiry into the murder of Human Rights Lawyer Pat Finucane (Revised Wording)

Motion TextThat this Assembly notes that it is 31 years since the murder of human rights lawyer, Pat Finucane, and almost 20 years since the British Government committed to a full and independent public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the murder; further notes the Supreme Court ruling that there has not been an Article 2 compliant inquiry into the murder; is concerned at the refusal of the British Government to hold the public inquiry which it promised; is further concerned that the British Government’s approach risks undermining wider confidence in the rule of law and the administration of justice; reiterates that a public inquiry is the most effective means to get the truth about the scope and extent of state collusion in this murder; urges the British Government, in the public interest, to reconsider its response to the Supreme Court ruling; recognises, on March 12th 2021, the reopening of supervision by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers into the murder of Pat Finucane; further recognises the significance of this unusual step by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers which acknowledged with profound concern the delay in ongoing legacy cases generally whilst resuming supervision of measures by the UK government in order to ensure they are adequate, sufficient and timely; calls on the British Government to establish the Historical Investigations Unit and the other Stormont House Agreement legacy mechanisms so that families of all victims have access to human rights compliant investigations; and further calls on the British Government to initiate the independent, public inquiry it promised to the family of Pat Finucane in 2001.

Motion CategoryPrivate Members' Motion

Date Tabled to Business Office23/03/2021

Date Selected By Committee11/05/2021

Date of Plenary Debate18/05/2021