I usually cover local issues in this column, but know that many people in Staffordshire Moorlands have concerns regarding the consultation I recently published as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
The consultation – ‘Addressing the Legacy of Northern Ireland’s Past’ - aims to allow everyone the opportunity to share views on the Government's proposed approach.
I want to assure you that that this is not a final policy decision but a consultation and first step to address this deeply traumatic period in Northern Ireland's past.
I would also like to take this opportunity to repeat that which can never be said too many times:
● This Government will always salute the heroism and bravery of the soldiers and police officers who served to protect the people of Northern Ireland.
● It is only due to the courageous efforts of our security forces that we have the relative peace and stability that Northern Ireland enjoys today.
● We will not tolerate the rewriting of Northern Ireland’s history by those who wish to legitimise the actions of terrorists who sought to kill and destroy.
● Our security forces ensured that Northern Ireland’s future will only ever be decided by democracy and consent, and never by violence.
This drives my objective as Secretary of State to build a more peaceful, stable and prosperous Northern Ireland.
As part of this, we need to address the legacy of Northern Ireland’s troubled past, which continues to cast a large shadow on the present.
I am acutely aware that there are no easy answers, but believe that the approach outlined in this consultation reflects broad based political agreement, upholds the rule of law and above all; is a significant improvement for the victims and survivors of terrorism and former members of the armed forces and police officers.