Karen Bradley Clarifies Remarks On Security Force Killings

Karen Bradley, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, returned to the House of Commons yesterday to clarify her earlier comments that deaths at the hands of soldiers and police during the Troubles were not crimes, but some political representatives from the region have said the statement didn't go far enough and demanded her resignation.

The Conservative MP sparked backlash when she said, in response to a question on legacy inquests from a DUP MP: "The fewer than 10 per cent 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 duties in a dignified and appropriate way."

She later made clear her position by saying that her statement may have been open to misinterpretation. "The point I was seeking to convey was that the overwhelming majority of those who served carried out their duties with courage, professionalism and integrity and within the law. I was not referring to any specific cases but expressing a general view.

"Of course where there is evidence of wrongdoing, it should always be investigated-whoever is responsible. These are of course matters for the police and prosecuting authorities, who are independent of government."

Political leaders in Northern Ireland have stood by their opposition to Mrs Bradley's remarks.

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long wrote on Twitter: "Karen Bradley's statement was not open to misinterpretation: it was clear and wrong. She should withdraw, not clarify, her remarks and apologise to families, many of whom still await full investigation and due process in respect of their loved ones' deaths."

Meanwhile, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said the Secretary's comments about deaths during the Troubles are "absolutely appalling".

He said in a statement: "Once again Karen Bradley has exhibited her stunning ignorance about the past. Such comments, albeit always wrong, are particularly insensitive given the Bloody Sunday families awaiting news on whether former British soldiers will be prosecuted for murdering 14 innocent civilians on the streets of Derry.

"The Secretary of State is publicly interfering with the rule of law. No political authority has the right to deliberately pressure or intervene with due process. Her comments today cannot go unchecked. Karen Bradley has a responsibility to apologise to families of state violence, as well as setting aside time to read a book on the history of Ireland."

Mr Eastwood also called for the Conservative MP to resign from her position in an earlier post on Twitter. "No-one has the right to deliberately pressure or intervene with due process. She should resign," he wrote.

Green Party leader Clare Bailey MLA has slammed the statement as "outrageous" and echoed calls for the Secretary to resign.

"Karen Bradley has shown herself to be disconnected from Northern Ireland affairs and the ongoing legacy of the conflict here- but this comment constitutes a new low for the Secretary of State," Ms Bailey said. "It's a comment that undermines the Rule of Law and serves to retraumatise people who have lost loved ones at the hands of the security forces. Furthermore, its an insult to those who served in the security forces and adhered to legal standards and rules of engagement during difficult times.

"I would call for Karen Bradley to resign as Secretary of State but I'm fairly sure the performance any new Secretary of State appointed by Prime Minster Theresa May would be equally as dismal."



(JG/CM)