News story

Paterson engages on the past

Secretary of State begins listening process with people across the community on dealing with the past in Northern Ireland.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Secretary of State Owen Paterson MP has begun a process of listening to the views of people across the community on dealing with the past in Northern Ireland.

Owen Paterson said:

I recognise the importance of the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland. I intend to listen to a range of views on how best I can contribute to dealing with this issue.

The Minister of State, Hugo Swire, and I will conduct a number of meetings with people from all parts of the community over the next few months.

Commenting on the first of the meetings held today with the Victims Commissioners the Secretary of State said:

We had a useful and constructive meeting and I look forward to receiving their further written views later this week

Published 21 June 2010