US Congress members raise concern over legacy issues

Members of the US congress have raised concerns about continued delays in dealing with legacy issues in the north.

A letter, which has been signed by 16 members of congress, was recently sent to the British ambassador in Washington, Kim Darroch.

The congress members said they are “concerned by the ongoing absence of adequate resources for coroners’ investigations into deaths during the Troubles”.

“We are also concerned by a proposal in Westminster for a statute of limitations for British military personnel,” they said.

The politicians also raised concerns about “at the approach of the United Kingdom on national security issues in relation to the essential work of the proposed Historical Investigations Unit in investigating the hundreds of outstanding cases”.

They said said the establishment of the Stormont House legacy framework and addressing inquests “is long overdue” and urged the British government to “to do everything in its power to see these steps taken now”.

Relatives for Justice director Mark Thompson has recently visited the US and as well as briefing members of congress provided evidence at a congressional hearing.

“Families have waited far too long for accountability. Legacy, legal obligations and human rights, sit quite separately from the politics and political vacuum and must be addressed whether or not the political institutions are reestablished,” he said.

The ancient Order of Hibernians in America has also welcomed the letter.

Prominent New York member Martin Galvin last night said: “We welcome this Congressional scrutiny and will monitor and provide information in relation to the British government’s response.”