Abuse survivors: 'Government using us as pawns in power-sharing deal'

By David Hunter

Victims of Historic Institutional abuse in Northern Ireland say the UK Government is playing 'political football' with them in a bid to get parties back to work at Stormont. 

Campaigners will meet the Secretary of State, Karen Bradley, later today.

They'll ask her to implement redress schemes which were proposed in January 2017 after a long awaited inquiry.

Retired Judge, Sir Anthony Hart, recommended a series of schemes for abuse survivors including a public apology and financial compensation.

He was leading the inquiry which would examine allegations of child abuse in children's homes and other residential institutions in Northern Ireland from 1922 to 1995. They included church and state run homes across the provance. 

Victim's groups have now accused Karen Bradley of holding out on implementing the recommendations so Sinn Fein and the DUP will 'feel the guilt from victims' and re-form an Executive. 

The secretary of State's previously said the redress can't be signed off as it's a devolved matter, but SAVIA campaigner Margaret McGuckin says that won't wash anymore.

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Legal proceedings are also going through the courts challenging the Government's decision.