NI Secretary resists DUP bid to change Troubles Bill to include Omagh bombing

The Troubles Bill will not be changed to cover the Omagh bombing, the Northern Ireland Secretary has said. Sir Chris Bryant said he would be “resisting” a bid by DUP leader Gavin Robinson to extend the time period which the Bill defines as the Troubles. The draft law currently covers events and conduct which took place between January 1, 1966 and April 10, 1998 – on which the Good Friday Agreement was signed. Mr Robinson pressed for the cut off date to be amended to August 31, 1998 to include the Omagh bombing, which took place on August 15, 1998. The republican car bombing, which killed 29 people, including a woman who was pregnant with twins, is seen as the worst single atrocity in the Troubles. As MPs debated the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill on Monday, Sir Chris told the Commons: “I am going to be resisting that amendment. Whatever date you choose would be, in one sense, an arbitrary one. “I think the best date that worked for the previous legislation … and would also work in relation to this legislation, is the date of the Good Friday Agreement, and that’s what we’re sticking to. “I understand the point that’s being made about Omagh, and there is a public inquiry ongoing, and I think it’s important that the Irish government cooperate fully with that process.” Mr Robinson, MP for Belfast East, expressed his “profound disappointment” at the Government’s resistance. Speaking at committee stage, he added it is “not to one side’s benefit or another, but to assist the families of the Omagh victims to achieve the answers they deserve”. MPs rejected the amendment by 169 votes to 327, majority 158. Catch up with the latest UTV Live on ITVX Sign up for our free weekly newsletter here. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know. Weather forecast for Northern Ireland