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30/06/2022
Kathleen Thompson Inquest 'Clear Vindication' For Family
The conclusion of an Inquest into the killing mother of six Kathleen Thompson in L'Derry in November 1971 has been welcomed as a "clear vindication of her family's long fight for justice".
SDLP Leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said that the verdict is a damning indictment of the British Government's immoral approach to legacy inquests and investigations which would see these routes to truth and justice shut down for other families.
Speaking from Westminster, the SDLP Leader said: "Kathleen Thompson's family have been fighting for truth and justice since the moment that Soldier D shot and killed their mother in November 1971. The truth about what happened to a mother of six in the back garden of her own home was delayed for more than 50 years by the institutions of the state but it could never be denied to those who loved Kathleen. They have taken on the full might of the British Government and today, at long last, they have been vindicated.
"Today in the House of Commons, the Secretary of State will make the flawed case for new legislation which would have denied justice to the Thompson family forever. Brandon Lewis will seek support for an end to legacy inquests and investigations, pulling down the shutters on other families desperate to know what happened to their loved ones. This verdict isn't just a hard-fought vindication for the Thompson family, it is the clearest possible demonstration that the path taken by Brandon Lewis is immoral, unjustifiable and will allow those who committed heinous crimes against people in Ireland to get away with it.
"Kathleen Thompson's family shouldn't have been forced to fight for truth for more than half a century. But in the emotion of this day, I hope they feel some sense of pride that they have done their mother proud. They have certainly done the city of Derry proud. The proper response from the government now would be to withdraw their flawed legislation and listen to the voices of victims who will never support this."
SDLP Leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said that the verdict is a damning indictment of the British Government's immoral approach to legacy inquests and investigations which would see these routes to truth and justice shut down for other families.
Speaking from Westminster, the SDLP Leader said: "Kathleen Thompson's family have been fighting for truth and justice since the moment that Soldier D shot and killed their mother in November 1971. The truth about what happened to a mother of six in the back garden of her own home was delayed for more than 50 years by the institutions of the state but it could never be denied to those who loved Kathleen. They have taken on the full might of the British Government and today, at long last, they have been vindicated.
"Today in the House of Commons, the Secretary of State will make the flawed case for new legislation which would have denied justice to the Thompson family forever. Brandon Lewis will seek support for an end to legacy inquests and investigations, pulling down the shutters on other families desperate to know what happened to their loved ones. This verdict isn't just a hard-fought vindication for the Thompson family, it is the clearest possible demonstration that the path taken by Brandon Lewis is immoral, unjustifiable and will allow those who committed heinous crimes against people in Ireland to get away with it.
"Kathleen Thompson's family shouldn't have been forced to fight for truth for more than half a century. But in the emotion of this day, I hope they feel some sense of pride that they have done their mother proud. They have certainly done the city of Derry proud. The proper response from the government now would be to withdraw their flawed legislation and listen to the voices of victims who will never support this."
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Punjana bag £2.5m packaging investment
Punjana, which was founded by the Thompson family in 1896, is launching new innovative packaging for their product range as part of a £2.5 million investment in state-of-the-art machinery with support from Invest NI.
Punjana bag £2.5m packaging investment
Punjana, which was founded by the Thompson family in 1896, is launching new innovative packaging for their product range as part of a £2.5 million investment in state-of-the-art machinery with support from Invest NI.
21 August 2018
Over 500 Attend Farm First Aid Awareness Training
More than 500 farm family members and employees have attended First Aid Awareness training since March 2018, as part of the Farm Family Key Skills (FFKS) scheme. Up to 100 accidents which need medical attention occur each month on Northern Ireland farms.
Over 500 Attend Farm First Aid Awareness Training
More than 500 farm family members and employees have attended First Aid Awareness training since March 2018, as part of the Farm Family Key Skills (FFKS) scheme. Up to 100 accidents which need medical attention occur each month on Northern Ireland farms.
03 October 2017
Appeal Issued Over Army Killing
A coroner has issued an appeal for two women who may have information about the killing of a woman by the Army in L'Derry in 1971. Kathleen Thompson, a mother of six, was fatally shot in the garden of her home in the Creggan area during a raid. A new inquest into her death is due to open at Londonderry Courthouse on 27 October.
Appeal Issued Over Army Killing
A coroner has issued an appeal for two women who may have information about the killing of a woman by the Army in L'Derry in 1971. Kathleen Thompson, a mother of six, was fatally shot in the garden of her home in the Creggan area during a raid. A new inquest into her death is due to open at Londonderry Courthouse on 27 October.
28 February 2003
Disputed death probe ineffective rules judge
A High Court judge in Belfast ruled today that no effective investigation was held into the death of Derry woman Kathleen Thompson who was shot dead by the British army in 1971. Solicitors acting on behalf of the Thompson family lodged a judicial review in the High Court.
Disputed death probe ineffective rules judge
A High Court judge in Belfast ruled today that no effective investigation was held into the death of Derry woman Kathleen Thompson who was shot dead by the British army in 1971. Solicitors acting on behalf of the Thompson family lodged a judicial review in the High Court.
28 June 2010
High Flyers Win Major Cash Boost
A Co Down firm that develops revolutionary aircraft seating designs for major airlines has really taken-off today with news of a £5.2m fillip. Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster today announced that the move, at Thompson Aero Seating in Kilkeel, will create 49 highly skilled jobs.
High Flyers Win Major Cash Boost
A Co Down firm that develops revolutionary aircraft seating designs for major airlines has really taken-off today with news of a £5.2m fillip. Stormont Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster today announced that the move, at Thompson Aero Seating in Kilkeel, will create 49 highly skilled jobs.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
