Murphy to outline response to UDA ceasefire statement

Secretary of State Paul Murphy is to explain to the House of Commons why he has recognised a new UDA ceasefire which came into effect at midnight on Sunday.

The government's recognition of the ceasefire followed a statement by the loyalist paramilitary group on Sunday which said it was committing itself to working towards the end of all paramilitary activity.

On Sunday, Tommy Kirkham of the Ulster Political Research Group, which provides political analysis for the UDA, read out a statement on behalf of the paramilitary group saying the group would cease all violent activity from Sunday onwards.

"We have agreed with our government to enter into a process which will see the eradication of all paramilitary activity,” Mr Kirkham read.

"We will engage with the decommissioning commission, though we must be satisfied there is no longer any threat to our community from without or within."

The response from nationalist and republican community representatives was cautious.

Sinn Fein's Alex Maskey said he welcomed the move but understood why many would be sceptical about it while SDLP assembly member Alban Maginness said the UDA must be judged on actions rather than words.

Mr Murphy was expected to lay an order before the Commons on Monday afternoon, giving effect to the government's move.

It will follow Friday's statement, where Mr Murphy said he believed Northern Ireland's biggest loyalist paramilitary group was ready to move away from violence.

(MB/SP)