The prime minister has been told he will not be “given a free run” after his government set out measures to deal with legacy in Northern Ireland, including plans to award amnesties to those involved in serious Troubles-related crimes.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said Boris Johnson and Northern Ireland secretary Brandon Lewis’ proposals represented “a gross distortion” of structures previously agreed at Stormont – and risked “abandoning the needs of victims and survivors”.
The Foyle MP issued the warning following a virtual meeting between NI party leaders, Mr Lewis and Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney. He also said it was “pathetic” both Mr Johnson and Mr Lewis had “pushed ahead with this announcement” before any kind of consultation process had begun between political parties and victims.
Elsewhere, fresh details of the financial plan the PM used to cover the costs of redecorating his Downing Street flat have been revealed in a report. It shows some £28,647 of taxpayers’ money was spent on painting and sanding floorboard alone, with Sir Alistair Graham describing it as “a scandal that shows the prime minister in a very poor light”.
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