Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has welcomed the Council of Europe Committee decision to reopen the investigation into the murder of his father, human rights lawyer Pat Finucane.   

The North Belfast MP said:  

“Today the Council of Europe Committee reopened the investigation into the killing of my father, Pat Finucane.  

“It is a matter of great disappointment that the British Government must be compelled in this way given that we are almost 20 years on from their original commitment to hold a public inquiry.  

“This is a hugely significant move.  

“32 years on from the killing, a full and properly human rights compliant investigation has yet to be carried out.  

“The British government have been criticised internationally for their failure to establish an inquiry and this level of scrutiny is vital to ensure truth can finally emerge. 

“The Council of Europe oversight will ensure ongoing processes will proceed promptly and in line with European Convention legal standards.

“The British Government need to end their stalling tactics and fulfil the promise it made many years ago, and hold a full and independent public inquiry into the killing of my father, Pat Finucane. 

“It must also live up to its commitment and obligation to implement the legacy mechanisms agreed in the Stormont House Agreement in a human rights compliant manner.”