Karen Bradley 'Profoundly Sorry' For Remarks On Troubles Killings

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Karen Bradley has apologised for her remarks that security force killings during the Troubles were "not crimes", but people fulfilling their duties in a "dignified and appropriate" way.

It comes almost 24 hours after she faced a barrage of criticism and calls for her resignation after making the statement in the House of Commons.

After clarifying her remarks as being "open to interpretation" on Wednesday 06 March, the Northern Ireland office released a statement of apology today: "Yesterday I made comments regarding the actions of soldiers during the Troubles. I want to apologise," Ms Bradley commented.

"I am profoundly sorry for the offence and hurt that my words have caused.  The language was wrong and even though this was not my intention, it was deeply insensitive to many of those who lost loved ones. I know from those families that I have met personally just how raw their pain is and I completely understand why they want to see justice properly delivered.

"I share that aim and that is why I launched the public consultation on addressing the legacy of the troubles. My position and the position of this Government is clear. We believe fundamentally in the rule of law. Where there is any evidence of wrongdoing this should be pursued without fear or favour whoever the perpetrators might be. That is a principle that underpins our approach to dealing with legacy issues and it is one from which we will not depart," Ms Bradley concluded.

Despite the apology, political representatives from Northern Ireland have expressed their lack of confidence in the Secretary, who many believe has damaged her credibility and ability to address legacy issues.

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long urged Ms Bradley to show "actions and not just words" to restore confidence in her.

The east Belfast MLA said: "In both her statement yesterday and her subsequent cack-handed clarification, the Secretary of State has seriously damaged confidence in her ability to address legacy issues impartially and protect the integrity of arrangements agreed at Stormont House.

"The challenge is now for Karen Bradley to follow through on her words and demonstrate by her actions she is committed to an unbiased application of the rule of law. That includes standing up to her own colleagues, some of whom continue to push the narrative she advocated in her initial statement yesterday, and resist efforts to undermine legacy arrangements with any statute of limitations.

"The role of Secretary of State is to defend the rule of law and independence of the justice system. The onus is now on Karen Bradley to demonstrate she is capable of living up to that."



(JG/CM)