Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“Of course guidance which excludes victim-makers from a victims’ pension is appropriate, but worthless so long as the scheme is blocked in a Stormont Executive which continues to fail innocent victims.
“Whereas, today the Secretary of State has said the “moral and legal obligation to deliver this scheme for victims of the Troubles injured through no fault of their own is undeniable”, only a fool would think IRA/SInn Fein will ever do the right thing by their victims. Thus, the NIO needs to take the step of repatriating the pension administration and control to Westminster. That alone will defuse the pernicious Sinn Fein veto.
“And, of course, that same moral obligation dictates that he should take legislative action to revise the scandalous definition of a “victim” which equates victim and perpetrator. Only then, can any sort of level playing field exist for the innocent. Perverse Stormont will never do it as this Answer today to me from the First Ministers confirms:
Mr J Allister (North Antrim): To ask the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether steps have been taken, or will be taken, through New Decade, New Approach or otherwise, to amend the current definition of victim to exclude victim-makers.
ANSWER
No steps have been taken by the First Minister and deputy First Minister, acting jointly, to amend the 2006 Order definition of a victim and survivor.”