Church of Ireland Bishops Criticise British Government as 'Oppressive'

The British government's way of making laws for Northern Ireland "oppressive", say Church of Ireland bishops. They have hit out at what they call the "deplorable fast tracking of controversial legislation".

It has been used as a lever to force Northern Ireland politicians back into devolved government, they said.

The Bishop of Connor, Alan Harper, said three major pieces of legislation were announced in July with consultation periods lasting only three months.

"We've got real, in fact increasing, concerns about the torrent of major pieces of legislation and the adequacy of the consultation process," the bishop said.

"What we're offering here is a wake-up call to local politicians to say first of all 'get your act together and do a proper job in terms of getting yourselves involved in the consulation process'.

"'But furthermore be aware that there are serious shortcomings in the direct rule processes themselves'."

In addition, the bishops said there was little scrutiny of proposed new laws and they may be passed even though a majority of elected representatives in Northern Ireland oppose them.