21/07/2026
Statement from the Commissioner for Victims and Survivors, Joe McVey, on the Departure of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland
As the Right Honourable Hilary Benn leaves his role as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, “I would like to thank him for his dedication, commitment and constructive engagement with Victims and survivors of the Troubles/conflict.”
During his time in office, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland met on a regular basis with Commission staff and members of the Commission's Victims and Survivors Forum, taking the opportunity to hear directly from victims and survivors about their lived experiences and the issues that continue to affect them.
I appreciated his willingness to listen, to engage and to recognise the importance of ensuring the voices of victims and survivors are heard as work to address the legacy of the Troubles/conflict continues.
As we look ahead, I hope that the incoming Secretary of State Sir Chris Bryant will demonstrate the same commitment to engaging with the Commission, and with victims and survivors, providing continued leadership on legacy issues.
While those in office may change, the needs of victims and survivors remain the same. As legacy legislation continues its passage through Parliament, the needs and voices of victims and survivors must be amplified and the focus at the heart of the process.
The Commission for Victims and Survivors remains committed to fulfilling its statutory role by advising and engaging with the incoming Secretary of State, the UK Government and all those involved to ensure the needs, rights and voices of victims and survivors remain at the heart of decisions that will help build a better future for everyone in Northern Ireland.
