Northern Ireland Secretary criticised over deadline for Troubles disability scheme
Relatives accuse Chris Bryant of taking ‘horrific position’
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Bryant has faced criticism for postponing the closure date of a scheme providing aid to victims of the Troubles. Relatives For Justice, a group representing victims, accused him of "abdicating responsibility." Bryant stated the decision was based on the lack of a request to extend the scheme from the Executive.
The scheme, which provides annual payments to those permanently disabled due to the Troubles, opened in August 2021 and aims to offer acknowledgment and support. It has granted over £150 million in payments to date. The scheme is scheduled to close on August 30th, 2026, in line with a five-year application window set by the Victims' Payments Regulations 2020.
Bryant noted that the scheme's closure was planned despite his consideration of representations from various victims and rights groups. He emphasized that support for victims is devolved and directed them to the Executive office for any concerns about the scheme's administration. Murphy, a deputy director of Relatives For Justice, strongly criticized Bryant's decision, calling it an "abdication of responsibility" and urging all parties in the Executive to press for the scheme's extension.
She emphasized that victims and survivors' rights and needs should not be disadvantaged in a jurisdictional contest and called for the scheme's continuation beyond the August 30th deadline.
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