Derry abuse survivor Jon McCourt says victims are 'deeply indebted' to Julian Smith for work on Historical Institutional Abuse

Mr. McCourt, chairman of Survivors North West, reacting to his removal from the role in British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's cabinet reshuffle on Thursday, said: “Sad to hear of your removal from office. Deeply indebted for your work on Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA). This would not have crossed the line without your committed and passionate support. On behalf of Survivors NW thank you and we wish you well in the future."

While Mr. Smith's tenure will be mainly remembered for the ‘New Decade, New Approach’ agreement that led to the restoration of Stormont after three years his role in fast-tracking the HIA bill before the dissolution of the last British Parliament will be viewed by many victims and survivors as his crowning achievement.