NI Secretary Criticised For Comments On Security Force Killings

Remarks by the Northern Ireland Secretary in the House of Commons that killings at the hands of the security forces during the Troubles were not crimes, but a dignified fulfilment of duties, have been met with severe criticism from politicians in the region.

Responding to a question about legacy issues from DUP MP Emma-Little Pengelly, Karen Bradley said: "Fewer than 10 per cent (of killings during the Troubles) that were at the hands of the military and police were not crimes. They were people acting under orders and under instruction, and fulfilling their duty in a dignified and appropriate way."

Alliance leader Naomi Long said Ms Bradley has massively overstepped the mark with an unjustifiable act of political interference.

The east Belfast MLA explained: "Karen Bradley needs to realise the statement she made is not just appalling and deeply hurtful to families of those killed by the security services, many of whom are still waiting for an investigation of the circumstances surrounding the deaths of their loved ones, but they have also undermined due process and the rule of law.


"We cannot have a situation where the Secretary of State- or indeed any politician- takes it upon themselves to decide whether a killing was a crime or not. That is a matter for the courts to decide based on a thorough investigation of the circumstances and a trial. Many of these killings are still the subject of coroners' inquiries and police investigations. This interference in due process is unwarranted, unjustified and wholly inappropriate. It is the job of the Secretary of State to defend the rule of law and the independence of the police, coroners, Public Prosecution Service and entire judicial system."

Mrs Long continued to say it is "imperative" the Secretary of State now clarifies her remarks, withdraws her statement and apologises for the harm caused.

"Otherwise it is hard to see how her position is tenable," she concluded.

Meanwhile, Sinn Fein MLA Michelle O'Neill branded the statement offensive and outrageous.

"It follows on from comments by the British prime minster indicating that the British government is planning legislation to protect serving and former British soldiers who may have committed crimes," the Mid Ulster MLA said. "These comments are an insult to families who have lost loved ones at the hands of the British army, state agencies and their proxies in the loyalist death squads which were directed by the British state. 

"They will add to the injury caused to these families by the British government's continued attempts to block access to truth and justice. It is a further alienation of families who have already suffered awful tragedies. 

"Karen Bradley's comments also show contempt for the legal system, including ongoing court cases into legacy cases involving the British state and its forces. British politicians cannot be allowed to ride roughshod over the legal system. 

"No one can be above the law and bereaved families, some of whom have been campaigning for almost five decades, are entitled to access to truth and justice."

The Sinn Fein MLA also called for the comments to be withdrawn. She concluded: "The British government should implement the legacy mechanisms already agreed rather than attempt to continue to thwart justice."



(JG/MH)