Menu
12/10/2001
Reid declares UDA UVF and LVF ceasefires ended
The Ulster Defence Association (UDA), Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) and Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF) ceasefires have been declared over by Northern Ireland Secretary of State Dr John Reid.
Making the announcement late on Friday October 12, Dr Reid said the level and the nature of the latest violence had reached the stage where the organisations could no longer be said to be on a ceasefire, and said the rioting in the Shankill Road area of west Belfast had been linked to the UDA.
Explaining his decision Dr Reid said: “They have actively stepped up sectarian hatred and following last night’s unrest there was serious violence which was obviously orchestrated by the UDA and the UFF. They have systemically breached that ceasefire and I believe the patience of the people of Northern Ireland has run out. I have therefore come to the decision today to specify the UDA and UFF.”
The Secretary also decided to specify the LVF, as a result of information supplied by security sources, about what he described as the “despicable murder” of journalist Martin O’Hagan.
Dr Reid stated that the three groups have been re-specified - meaning the government no longer recognises their ceasefires.
He said the move comes not just because of Thursday night’s violence but also because of a measured and concentrated cycle of violence by the groups.
However he said: “Last night I put the UDA to the test and they failed that test.”
The news follows reports from security sources that said the UDA was also behind Thursday's trouble on the Shankill Road, during which vehicles were hi-jacked and burned and the police were attacked with petrol and blast bombs.
Two weeks ago Dr Reid was on the brink of declaring the UDA's ceasefire to be over, but changed his mind and decided to give the UDA another chance.
At that time he said he would give no further warnings if it became clear the biggest loyalist paramilitary organisation was involved in more violence.
Meanwhile, police inquiries into the murder of Martin O'Hagan are said to be concentrating on the LVF, a loyalist splinter group.
The Red Hand Defenders, a cover name used in the past by both the Loyalist Volunteer Force and the Ulster Defence Association, said it carried out the murder. (AMcE)
Making the announcement late on Friday October 12, Dr Reid said the level and the nature of the latest violence had reached the stage where the organisations could no longer be said to be on a ceasefire, and said the rioting in the Shankill Road area of west Belfast had been linked to the UDA.
Explaining his decision Dr Reid said: “They have actively stepped up sectarian hatred and following last night’s unrest there was serious violence which was obviously orchestrated by the UDA and the UFF. They have systemically breached that ceasefire and I believe the patience of the people of Northern Ireland has run out. I have therefore come to the decision today to specify the UDA and UFF.”
The Secretary also decided to specify the LVF, as a result of information supplied by security sources, about what he described as the “despicable murder” of journalist Martin O’Hagan.
Dr Reid stated that the three groups have been re-specified - meaning the government no longer recognises their ceasefires.
He said the move comes not just because of Thursday night’s violence but also because of a measured and concentrated cycle of violence by the groups.
However he said: “Last night I put the UDA to the test and they failed that test.”
The news follows reports from security sources that said the UDA was also behind Thursday's trouble on the Shankill Road, during which vehicles were hi-jacked and burned and the police were attacked with petrol and blast bombs.
Two weeks ago Dr Reid was on the brink of declaring the UDA's ceasefire to be over, but changed his mind and decided to give the UDA another chance.
At that time he said he would give no further warnings if it became clear the biggest loyalist paramilitary organisation was involved in more violence.
Meanwhile, police inquiries into the murder of Martin O'Hagan are said to be concentrating on the LVF, a loyalist splinter group.
The Red Hand Defenders, a cover name used in the past by both the Loyalist Volunteer Force and the Ulster Defence Association, said it carried out the murder. (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 August 2016
Former UDA Brigadier Was Aware He Was Under Threat - PSNI
Former UDA brigadier John Boreland was aware he was under threat after he was fatally shot in north Belfast on Sunday, 07 August, according to the police. The shooting attack happened in the Sunningdale Gardens area in Ballysillan at approximately 9.50pm. He died at the scene.
Former UDA Brigadier Was Aware He Was Under Threat - PSNI
Former UDA brigadier John Boreland was aware he was under threat after he was fatally shot in north Belfast on Sunday, 07 August, according to the police. The shooting attack happened in the Sunningdale Gardens area in Ballysillan at approximately 9.50pm. He died at the scene.
08 April 2008
UDA 'Isn't Going Away'
While the IRA "haven't gone away, you know" - as infamously declared by the Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams - a Belfast court case this week appears to point towards the loyalist paramilitary group, the UDA doing - or "not doing" the same thing.
UDA 'Isn't Going Away'
While the IRA "haven't gone away, you know" - as infamously declared by the Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams - a Belfast court case this week appears to point towards the loyalist paramilitary group, the UDA doing - or "not doing" the same thing.
11 October 2005
Funeral takes place of former UDA chief
The funeral of former UDA chief Jim Gray has taken place in Belfast on Tuesday. Gray, 47, the former UDA 'brigadier' in east Belfast, was shot dead outside his father's home last week. Tuesday's service took place at his father's home with members of the UDA told to stay away from the house.
Funeral takes place of former UDA chief
The funeral of former UDA chief Jim Gray has taken place in Belfast on Tuesday. Gray, 47, the former UDA 'brigadier' in east Belfast, was shot dead outside his father's home last week. Tuesday's service took place at his father's home with members of the UDA told to stay away from the house.
14 April 2005
Former east Belfast UDA leader has bank accounts frozen
Former east Belfast UDA leader Jim Gray has had his bank accounts frozen, Banbridge Magistrates Court heard today. The 47-year-old, who was charged at the weekend with possessing and concealing criminal property but who denies the charges, appeared by video link from Maghaberry Prison and spoke only to confirm his name.
Former east Belfast UDA leader has bank accounts frozen
Former east Belfast UDA leader Jim Gray has had his bank accounts frozen, Banbridge Magistrates Court heard today. The 47-year-old, who was charged at the weekend with possessing and concealing criminal property but who denies the charges, appeared by video link from Maghaberry Prison and spoke only to confirm his name.
28 September 2001
Reid issues UDA with ceasefire warning
The Secretary of State Dr John Reid has announced that he will not be declaring the Ulster Defence Association ceasefire over, in light of a peace pledge made by the loyalist paramilitary group on Friday afternoon.
Reid issues UDA with ceasefire warning
The Secretary of State Dr John Reid has announced that he will not be declaring the Ulster Defence Association ceasefire over, in light of a peace pledge made by the loyalist paramilitary group on Friday afternoon.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
