Menu
27/01/2003
Government told to 'come clean' over Bloody Sunday
SDLP West Belfast assembly member, Alex Attwood, has called on the government and army to "come clean" over the truth about what happened on Bloody Sunday.
Mr Attwood, who was in London today at a Bloody Sunday Rally, paid tribute to the families of those who were killed nearly 31 years ago.
He also claimed senior politicians and army officers were seeking to avoid responsibility for actions taken on January 31 1972 when 14 people were killed by army gunfire.
Mr Attwood said: "Despite delays and doubts about the tribunal, the dignity of the families and the decency of their campaign endures. While senior politicians and army officers seek to evade responsibility the families seek the truth.
"Even now the army, Ministry of Defence and government should come clean. There is a growing risk that a few soldiers and officers will be blamed to avoid those of greater authority and responsibility being named. There should be 'no cover up'."
The Saville Inquiry, which was set up by Prime Minister Tony Blair to reinvestigate the events of Bloody Sunday, usually sits at the Guildhall in the maiden city. However, the inquiry has moved to London in recent days so that evidence from military witnesses and former Prime Minister Edward Heath could be heard.
Lord Saville and the Commonwealth judges who comprise the inquiry, are not expected to report back until 2004.
(MB)
Mr Attwood, who was in London today at a Bloody Sunday Rally, paid tribute to the families of those who were killed nearly 31 years ago.
He also claimed senior politicians and army officers were seeking to avoid responsibility for actions taken on January 31 1972 when 14 people were killed by army gunfire.
Mr Attwood said: "Despite delays and doubts about the tribunal, the dignity of the families and the decency of their campaign endures. While senior politicians and army officers seek to evade responsibility the families seek the truth.
"Even now the army, Ministry of Defence and government should come clean. There is a growing risk that a few soldiers and officers will be blamed to avoid those of greater authority and responsibility being named. There should be 'no cover up'."
The Saville Inquiry, which was set up by Prime Minister Tony Blair to reinvestigate the events of Bloody Sunday, usually sits at the Guildhall in the maiden city. However, the inquiry has moved to London in recent days so that evidence from military witnesses and former Prime Minister Edward Heath could be heard.
Lord Saville and the Commonwealth judges who comprise the inquiry, are not expected to report back until 2004.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 July 2021
SDLP 'Bitterly Disappointed' Over PPS Decision
The SDLP have described the decision by the Public Prosecution Service to discontinue the prosecution of soldiers accused of the murder of James Wray and William McKinney on Bloody Sunday and teenager Daniel Hegarty as "bitterly disappointing" and have raised significant concerns about the way families have been treated.
SDLP 'Bitterly Disappointed' Over PPS Decision
The SDLP have described the decision by the Public Prosecution Service to discontinue the prosecution of soldiers accused of the murder of James Wray and William McKinney on Bloody Sunday and teenager Daniel Hegarty as "bitterly disappointing" and have raised significant concerns about the way families have been treated.
25 January 2019
Bloody Sunday 'Soldier N' Dies
One of the former paratroopers facing potential charges over Bloody Sunday has passed away, it has emerged. Prosecutors were informed last week that 'Soldier N' had died. Thirteen people were shot dead when members of the British Army opened fire on civil rights demonstrators in L'Derry in 1972. A fourteenth person died later.
Bloody Sunday 'Soldier N' Dies
One of the former paratroopers facing potential charges over Bloody Sunday has passed away, it has emerged. Prosecutors were informed last week that 'Soldier N' had died. Thirteen people were shot dead when members of the British Army opened fire on civil rights demonstrators in L'Derry in 1972. A fourteenth person died later.
12 February 2002
Bloody Sunday families to challenge police screening
A Belfast High Court judge has allowed the families of those killed on Bloody Sunday leave to challenge a ruling that police officers should give evidence from behind screens. Mr Justice Kerr gave the families leave to seek a judicial review of the decision made last week by the Bloody Sunday Inquiry, chaired by Lord Saville in Londonderry.
Bloody Sunday families to challenge police screening
A Belfast High Court judge has allowed the families of those killed on Bloody Sunday leave to challenge a ruling that police officers should give evidence from behind screens. Mr Justice Kerr gave the families leave to seek a judicial review of the decision made last week by the Bloody Sunday Inquiry, chaired by Lord Saville in Londonderry.
31 January 2014
Bloody Sunday Investigation
Detectives investigating the events of Bloody Sunday have said they are to re-interview witnesses who gave evidence to the Saville Inquiry. More than 1,000 witnesses, including local people and former soldiers, are being asked to submit statements as part of the criminal investigation into the events.
Bloody Sunday Investigation
Detectives investigating the events of Bloody Sunday have said they are to re-interview witnesses who gave evidence to the Saville Inquiry. More than 1,000 witnesses, including local people and former soldiers, are being asked to submit statements as part of the criminal investigation into the events.
04 March 2009
Inquiries' Cost Revealed
A DUP Stormont Junior Minister has raised concerns about the cost of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry. After the cost of accommodation alone reached £26 million Jeffrey Donaldson (pictured) branded the money a "waste" of public funds.
Inquiries' Cost Revealed
A DUP Stormont Junior Minister has raised concerns about the cost of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry. After the cost of accommodation alone reached £26 million Jeffrey Donaldson (pictured) branded the money a "waste" of public funds.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
