Victims call for input into legacy consultation

James Brokenshire has suggested an amnesty for British security forces involved in killings during the Troubles.

However, Minty Thompson, whose mother Kathleen was shot dead by the British Army in Derry in 1971, said a majority of the Forum thinks an amnesty for anyone is not the way forward.

"Irrespective of what side they're from, the majority of them don't want to see an amnesty," she said.

"People want different thing, they want truth, they want justice, they want information, some want prosecution.

"And unless we go through the proper procedures, they won't get any of them.

"I would say that the amnesty is definitely out, from what's on the Victims Forum."

The Forum met with SDLP leader Colum Eastwood and Alliance's Stephen Farry on Wednesday.

Mr Eastwood backed the call for those directly affected to be involved in the discussion.

"They're crying out for movement and resolution on the legacy issues," he said.

"People from right across the spectrum oppose an amnesty because they know that affects not just British soldiers and the RUC, but also IRA, UVF and UDA people.

"Nobody should be blocked in their search for justice and truth and I think the Secretary of State and British government need to take that off the table."

Judith Thompson, Victims Commissioner for NI, said it was about getting the views of those who have suffered most.

"We're very clear, this needs to be a very inclusive consultation.

"Not necessarily very big events, which quite often don't give people the chance to think things through in the most productive way.

"We need good information made easily accessible, so that everyone who suffered here, and that is 1 in 3 of the population, can contribute.

"Our failure to deal with the past is polluting our politics now."

• victims and survivors forum
• northern ireland
• the troubles