Public inquiry ordered into collusion-linked murder of solicitor Pat Finucane

The Government is to establish an independent public inquiry into the 1989 loyalist murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has announced.

He told the Commons: "This Government takes its human rights obligations and responsibilities to victims and survivors of the Troubles extremely seriously.

"The plain fact is that two decades on the commitment made by the Government - first in the agreement with the Irish government and then to this House - to establish an inquiry into the death of Mr Finucane remains unfulfilled.

"It is for this exceptional reason that I have decided to establish an independent inquiry into the death of Patrick Finucane under the 2005 Inquiries Act."

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said the granting of a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane "perpetuates a hierarchy" of victims in Northern Ireland.

Mr Robinson said: "The murder of Pat Finucane, like all murders in the Troubles, was wrong.

"In 2004, a man was convicted and sentenced for his role in the murder and more than £20 million has been spent on investigations into this one murder.

"The Secretary of State needs to understand that there are more than 1,000 other families in the United Kingdom who have not had a fraction of the resource poured into the murder of their loved one.

"Indeed, the Finucane family were offered a public inquiry, but they rejected that offer as they disagreed with the 2005 Public Inquiries Act."

He added: "We stand for truth and justice for every victim in the Troubles."

Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the announcement of a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane is a "landmark day".

In a post on X, Ms O'Neill said: "I welcome the announcement that the Finucane family has secured a public inquiry into the killing of their beloved father and husband, Pat Finucane.

"Today is a testament to the unwavering spirit and resolve of Pat's wife, Geraldine, and their children, Katherine, Michael, and John.

"The Finucane family's determination and dignity throughout 35 years of the most difficult of campaigning has brought about this landmark day.

"Their campaign has been an inspiration to all families struggling for truth and justice.

"I will continue to support the Finucane family as they continue on their journey towards truth and justice for Pat."

Pat Finucane's widow Geraldine has welcomed the announcement of a public inquiry into her husband's murder.

Speaking at a press conference in Belfast, Mrs Finucane said: "After 35 years of campaigning for such an inquiry, I believe this announcement represents a significant step forward for my family in our fight to uncover all of the circumstances behind Pat's murder.

"It has been a long journey to get to the point where the establishment of an independent public inquiry has finally become a reality.

"I look forward to having the opportunity to participate in a statutory inquiry and expose publicly the whole truth behind the murder of my husband.

"This has always been the objective of the campaign that my family and I have pursued for the last 35 years.

"We have only ever been concerned with uncovering the truth.

"It is this that has kept us going. It is the thing that has been missing, all these years."