Executive Office Committee Deputy Chair, Connie Egan MLA, stated: “We welcome the action taken by the Secretary of State to extend the deadline for access to backdated payments within the TPDPS. This is a positive step in ensuring that all applications can be processed, and all victims are able to access the support they are entitled to.

“This is an important move by the new Labour Government, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring that victims and survivors are not left behind. 

“Alliance has consistently raised concerns about the accessibility of this system, including whether the application process is sufficiently trauma-informed, and I’m pleased to see the UK Government has listened to those who have raised concerns and some progress has been made. We must now turn our attention to the full report on the review released at the end of this month.”

Executive Office Committee Chair, Paula Bradshaw MLA, added: “We must applaud the work of the campaigners and victims whose consistent advocacy to both the Executive Office and the UK Government has made this possible. Their voices and the voice of the Victims Commissioner should guide this process, including a key recommendation to introduce a payment scheme for those who have been bereaved as a result of the Troubles. My colleagues and I will continue to push for this work.”