Menu
24/09/2002
Bloody Sunday Inquiry moves to London
The Bloody Sunday Inquiry has moved to London to hear evidence from former British soldiers who were serving in Northern Ireland on the day 13 civilians were shot dead in Londonderry.
About 300 military witnesses are expected to testify at the inquiry in Westminster. However, the soldiers who fired on the crowd on January 30 1972 are not expected to speak for a number of weeks yet.
The siting of the inquiry in London represent a minor legal victory for the soldiers who successfully appealed against a decision which would have made them give their evidence at the Guild Hall in Londonderry. They argued their lives could be at risk from reprisal attacks from dissident republicans.
As a result, proceedings are to be relayed back to the Guild Hall from London via video link.
The first member of the military to give evidence today was retired general Sir Frank Kitson.
Mr Kitson was commander of 39 Brigade, which included 1 Para – the unit which had fired on civilians during clashes at the Rossville flats area of the city. Mr Kitson, who was not there on the day, said he had "every confidence" in the unit, adding that they were not "excessively forceful" in carrying out their duties.
He also defended accusations that 1 Para had a reputation for "toughness and brutality" by saying those that made such accusations were "mistaken".
He said that on many occasions members of the regiment "exhibited a natural compassion, comforting and assisting the victims of bombs and riots".
The inquiry, which is expected to hand over its findings to the government in 2004, has come in for criticism over soaring legal and running costs – now in the region of £200 million.
(MB)
About 300 military witnesses are expected to testify at the inquiry in Westminster. However, the soldiers who fired on the crowd on January 30 1972 are not expected to speak for a number of weeks yet.
The siting of the inquiry in London represent a minor legal victory for the soldiers who successfully appealed against a decision which would have made them give their evidence at the Guild Hall in Londonderry. They argued their lives could be at risk from reprisal attacks from dissident republicans.
As a result, proceedings are to be relayed back to the Guild Hall from London via video link.
The first member of the military to give evidence today was retired general Sir Frank Kitson.
Mr Kitson was commander of 39 Brigade, which included 1 Para – the unit which had fired on civilians during clashes at the Rossville flats area of the city. Mr Kitson, who was not there on the day, said he had "every confidence" in the unit, adding that they were not "excessively forceful" in carrying out their duties.
He also defended accusations that 1 Para had a reputation for "toughness and brutality" by saying those that made such accusations were "mistaken".
He said that on many occasions members of the regiment "exhibited a natural compassion, comforting and assisting the victims of bombs and riots".
The inquiry, which is expected to hand over its findings to the government in 2004, has come in for criticism over soaring legal and running costs – now in the region of £200 million.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 November 2001
Human Organs Inquiry set to answer public’s questions
The Human Organs Inquiry set up by the Department of Health has invited members of the public to come and air their views and listen to health service staff as well as relatives affected by the retention of human organs in Northern Ireland.
Human Organs Inquiry set to answer public’s questions
The Human Organs Inquiry set up by the Department of Health has invited members of the public to come and air their views and listen to health service staff as well as relatives affected by the retention of human organs in Northern Ireland.
24 January 2002
Bloody Sunday Inquiry to change venue for soldiers’ evidence
The Bloody Sunday Inquiry is to move to Britain temporarily to hear evidence from soldiers who refused to return to Londonderry. The Inquiry, sitting in the Guildhall in Derry, is investigating the shooting dead of 13 people at a civil rights march in the city by the British Army on 30 January 1972. A 14th man died later.
Bloody Sunday Inquiry to change venue for soldiers’ evidence
The Bloody Sunday Inquiry is to move to Britain temporarily to hear evidence from soldiers who refused to return to Londonderry. The Inquiry, sitting in the Guildhall in Derry, is investigating the shooting dead of 13 people at a civil rights march in the city by the British Army on 30 January 1972. A 14th man died later.
12 September 2024
Hilary Benn Announces Public Inquiry Into Pat Finucane Murder
Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, has announced a decision to establish an independent inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 into the murder of Patrick Finucane. The 39-year-old solicitor was shot dead at his home in front of his wife and children by loyalist paramilitaries in February 1989.
Hilary Benn Announces Public Inquiry Into Pat Finucane Murder
Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, has announced a decision to establish an independent inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 into the murder of Patrick Finucane. The 39-year-old solicitor was shot dead at his home in front of his wife and children by loyalist paramilitaries in February 1989.
20 September 2021
Call For Public Inquiry Into Dalradian Gold Mine Projects
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has called on the Planning Appeals Commission to launch a Public Inquiry into the Dalradian Gold Mine projects. Making the call, Minister Mallon said: "In June 2020 I announced that the Dalradian Gold Mine project at Greencastle, County Tyrone would be the subject of an independent Public Inquiry.
Call For Public Inquiry Into Dalradian Gold Mine Projects
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has called on the Planning Appeals Commission to launch a Public Inquiry into the Dalradian Gold Mine projects. Making the call, Minister Mallon said: "In June 2020 I announced that the Dalradian Gold Mine project at Greencastle, County Tyrone would be the subject of an independent Public Inquiry.
24 November 2020
Public Inquiry Ordered Over Concerns Surrounding Urology Consultant
A public inquiry has been ordered into serious concerns over the clinical practice of a hospital consultant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced. The decision, announced in a statement to the Assembly, relates to the work of a urology consultant who earlier this year retired from the Southern Trust.
Public Inquiry Ordered Over Concerns Surrounding Urology Consultant
A public inquiry has been ordered into serious concerns over the clinical practice of a hospital consultant, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced. The decision, announced in a statement to the Assembly, relates to the work of a urology consultant who earlier this year retired from the Southern Trust.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
