Menu
21/08/2001
Unionist delay over policing reform
Unionist parties in Northern Ireland have ignored the Secretary of State’s Tuesday August 21 policing deadline and decided to take more time in reaching their decision to the proposals.
The delay by the Ulster Unionist Party and the Democratic Unionist Party however, has been accepted by Secretary of State Dr John Reid who acknowledged that it would take a little longer for all the parties to be ready to respond to the policing package.
The SDLP, meanwhile, have already accepted the police package and are the first party to do so. Sinn Féin have rejected the implementation plan, describing it as “deeply flawed” and said that it was “not the last word” on policing. Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew said: “Even those who have accepted the British government proposals on policing admit that the threshold of Patten has not yet been met and that work remains to be done.”
Hardline Ulster Unionist MP David Burnside said that his party would respond to the policing plan within the next five weeks. He explained that the party had a number of issues to consider and would be discussing the implementation plan, security normalisation and decommissioning. Earlier on Tuesday UUP leader David Trimble held a telephone conversation with Dr Reid to discuss his party’s concerns over policing.
DUP deputy leader Peter Robinson explained his party would not be meeting the Tuesday deadline set by the Secretary of State primarily because his party had been excluded throughout the whole consultative process with the pro-Agreement parties over the summer.
He said: “The DUP received the updated Implementation Plan on the same morning it was publicly released and the Secretary of State now has the audacity to suggest that the DUP, in spite of the disadvantage he places them in, should respond within two working days. It will not happen.”
He said that the DUP would meet on Thursday August 23 to discuss the plan and would then make their decision clear. (AMcE)
The delay by the Ulster Unionist Party and the Democratic Unionist Party however, has been accepted by Secretary of State Dr John Reid who acknowledged that it would take a little longer for all the parties to be ready to respond to the policing package.
The SDLP, meanwhile, have already accepted the police package and are the first party to do so. Sinn Féin have rejected the implementation plan, describing it as “deeply flawed” and said that it was “not the last word” on policing. Fermanagh South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew said: “Even those who have accepted the British government proposals on policing admit that the threshold of Patten has not yet been met and that work remains to be done.”
Hardline Ulster Unionist MP David Burnside said that his party would respond to the policing plan within the next five weeks. He explained that the party had a number of issues to consider and would be discussing the implementation plan, security normalisation and decommissioning. Earlier on Tuesday UUP leader David Trimble held a telephone conversation with Dr Reid to discuss his party’s concerns over policing.
DUP deputy leader Peter Robinson explained his party would not be meeting the Tuesday deadline set by the Secretary of State primarily because his party had been excluded throughout the whole consultative process with the pro-Agreement parties over the summer.
He said: “The DUP received the updated Implementation Plan on the same morning it was publicly released and the Secretary of State now has the audacity to suggest that the DUP, in spite of the disadvantage he places them in, should respond within two working days. It will not happen.”
He said that the DUP would meet on Thursday August 23 to discuss the plan and would then make their decision clear. (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Traffic Warning For South Belfast Ahead Of Northern Ireland Match
Road users are advised to plan for potential traffic delays in the south Belfast area on Friday, 15th November due to the UEFA Nations League football match between Northern Ireland and Belarus. The match will take place at Windsor Park, kicking off at 7.45pm, and it is expected that around 18,000 supporters will attend.
Traffic Warning For South Belfast Ahead Of Northern Ireland Match
Road users are advised to plan for potential traffic delays in the south Belfast area on Friday, 15th November due to the UEFA Nations League football match between Northern Ireland and Belarus. The match will take place at Windsor Park, kicking off at 7.45pm, and it is expected that around 18,000 supporters will attend.
19 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Boutcher Welcomes Justice Minister's New Budget Plan PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has welcomed the announcement of Justice Minister Naomi Long's new Budget Plan.
Other News In Brief
Boutcher Welcomes Justice Minister's New Budget Plan PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has welcomed the announcement of Justice Minister Naomi Long's new Budget Plan.
15 November 2024
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
12 October 2004
DPP support reinforces police work: Murphy
The new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland have been reinforced by the creation of District Policing Partnerships and enhanced by the calibre of the men and women who serve on them, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
DPP support reinforces police work: Murphy
The new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland have been reinforced by the creation of District Policing Partnerships and enhanced by the calibre of the men and women who serve on them, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
12 August 2002
'United unionist convention' call rejected
Following on from unity calls by rival unionists and factions within his own party to join forces with the DUP, senior UUP member Michael McGimpsey has said that any such move would be "desirable but unrealistic".
'United unionist convention' call rejected
Following on from unity calls by rival unionists and factions within his own party to join forces with the DUP, senior UUP member Michael McGimpsey has said that any such move would be "desirable but unrealistic".
-
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.
