Fugitive paramilitaries - Amnesty bill had little backing

The British Government has withdrawn the bill to provide a virtual amnesty to fugitive paramilitaries and members of the security forces involved in terrorist-related offences prior to the Good Friday Agreement.

In announcing the withdrawal of the bill, Northern Secretary Peter Hain said that the government would review the position in the autumn, when it would be mindful of the views of the parties.

The legislation, which involved granting amnesties to people guilty of horrific murders, was distinctly unpalatable for a great number of people.