Ivan Lewis MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, speaking after the appearance of Theresa Villiers at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee today, said: 

“Following Theresa Villiers appearance before the Northern Ireland Select Committee today there is an urgent need for the government to clarify its position regarding the On-The-Run Scheme. She made it clear that she would not be rescinding the original letters nor writing to the recipients, which is totally at odds with press briefings from the Northern Ireland Office in advance of her committee appearance. 

“She was right to apologise to the family and friends of the Hyde Park victims following the catastrophic error made in the John Downey case. I am also pleased that she was very robust in making it clear that these letters never offered any of their recipients an amnesty from prosecution. This was also the conclusion of the Hallett review. 

“However, at a time when stability in Northern Ireland is so fragile it is essential the government is clear and unambiguous about its response to sensitive issues.”