Menu
24/01/2023
UUP Calls For Renewed Focus To Resolve Legacy Issues
The Ulster Unionist Party has called for a renewed focus to resolve Legacy issues.
Calling for the resurrection of the Stormont House Agreement (SHA), UUP MLA Tom Elliott said: The Ulster Unionist Party was the only one of the five major parties to reject the legacy proposals contained within the SHA because we could see from the outset that they contained major flaws.
"Firstly the Stormont House Agreement proposed a parallel police force in the form of the Historical Investigations Unit (HIU) that would inevitably focus on the Army and Police due to the availability of accurate historical records, which obviously do not exist for terror gangs. Secondly it proposed a charge of 'non-criminal police misconduct' clearly indicating the target group.
"It was also proposed that the HIU would only look at some – not all - deaths. It is little short of a scandal that throughout this process the injured have been all but ignored, and attempted murder treated as being of little consequence. This in effect has allowed the terrorists a get out of jail free card even though they would have been responsible for the injury of over 35,000 UK citizens. Those who oppose the Government’s current proposals because of the Amnesty, should also oppose the Stormont House Agreement because of the Amnesty contained within it.
"What we need is an approach to legacy which is grounded in human rights. This will place the focus and the blame where they truly belong. I accept that on occasions the State and those who acted for it – the police and the army – may have overstepped the mark and should be held accountable. We must never forget that terrorists – loyalist and republican - were responsible for 90 per cent of Troubles related deaths. Every single action by the terror gangs was illegal and a breach of an individual’s human rights. Every killing, every bomb attack, every so-called punishment shooting or beating was carried out without any lawful authority or justification. Literally thousands of human rights abuses which too many people seem to want to be conveniently forgotten about in a bid to rewrite history and place the blame on the State, the Police and the Army.
"Furthermore, if there is ever to be a serious examination of the Troubles and the legacy they have left, then there needs to be an honest assessment and acknowledgement of the role played by the Republic of Ireland. Its territory was used by the IRA to import arms, store weapons, mount hundreds of cross border attacks, coordinate ethnic cleansing of minority Protestant communities in the border area, and act as a safe haven for IRA terrorists on the run who were able to live freely in the Republic and the overwhelming difficulties the UK repeatedly faced in trying to extradite terrorist suspects from the Republic.
"Successive Dublin Governments have shown little appetite to seriously address these issues. The reality is that the Republic played a central role in the Troubles and this needs to be both highlighted and acknowledged if we are to have a full understanding of what really happened during those dark times."
Calling for the resurrection of the Stormont House Agreement (SHA), UUP MLA Tom Elliott said: The Ulster Unionist Party was the only one of the five major parties to reject the legacy proposals contained within the SHA because we could see from the outset that they contained major flaws.
"Firstly the Stormont House Agreement proposed a parallel police force in the form of the Historical Investigations Unit (HIU) that would inevitably focus on the Army and Police due to the availability of accurate historical records, which obviously do not exist for terror gangs. Secondly it proposed a charge of 'non-criminal police misconduct' clearly indicating the target group.
"It was also proposed that the HIU would only look at some – not all - deaths. It is little short of a scandal that throughout this process the injured have been all but ignored, and attempted murder treated as being of little consequence. This in effect has allowed the terrorists a get out of jail free card even though they would have been responsible for the injury of over 35,000 UK citizens. Those who oppose the Government’s current proposals because of the Amnesty, should also oppose the Stormont House Agreement because of the Amnesty contained within it.
"What we need is an approach to legacy which is grounded in human rights. This will place the focus and the blame where they truly belong. I accept that on occasions the State and those who acted for it – the police and the army – may have overstepped the mark and should be held accountable. We must never forget that terrorists – loyalist and republican - were responsible for 90 per cent of Troubles related deaths. Every single action by the terror gangs was illegal and a breach of an individual’s human rights. Every killing, every bomb attack, every so-called punishment shooting or beating was carried out without any lawful authority or justification. Literally thousands of human rights abuses which too many people seem to want to be conveniently forgotten about in a bid to rewrite history and place the blame on the State, the Police and the Army.
"Furthermore, if there is ever to be a serious examination of the Troubles and the legacy they have left, then there needs to be an honest assessment and acknowledgement of the role played by the Republic of Ireland. Its territory was used by the IRA to import arms, store weapons, mount hundreds of cross border attacks, coordinate ethnic cleansing of minority Protestant communities in the border area, and act as a safe haven for IRA terrorists on the run who were able to live freely in the Republic and the overwhelming difficulties the UK repeatedly faced in trying to extradite terrorist suspects from the Republic.
"Successive Dublin Governments have shown little appetite to seriously address these issues. The reality is that the Republic played a central role in the Troubles and this needs to be both highlighted and acknowledged if we are to have a full understanding of what really happened during those dark times."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
01 March 2019
New Legacy Inquest System Launched To Speed Up Investigations
The Department of Justice has launched a £55 million initiative with a new Coroner investigation unit in a bid speed up legacy inquests and address all outstanding cases. It comes as some of the "most sensitive, complex and high profile deaths" during the Troubles are yet to be fully investigated, according to the department.
New Legacy Inquest System Launched To Speed Up Investigations
The Department of Justice has launched a £55 million initiative with a new Coroner investigation unit in a bid speed up legacy inquests and address all outstanding cases. It comes as some of the "most sensitive, complex and high profile deaths" during the Troubles are yet to be fully investigated, according to the department.
23 February 2018
DUP 'Unaware' Of Funding For Legacy Requests
Arlene Foster has claimed "no one in the DUP was aware" of funding for legacy requests. The DUP leader said it would be "astonishing" if the government granted funding. The statement came after DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson told The View programme he was "unaware" of an alleged deal to release money for Troubles legacy inquests.
DUP 'Unaware' Of Funding For Legacy Requests
Arlene Foster has claimed "no one in the DUP was aware" of funding for legacy requests. The DUP leader said it would be "astonishing" if the government granted funding. The statement came after DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson told The View programme he was "unaware" of an alleged deal to release money for Troubles legacy inquests.
15 February 2024
SF Slams Attempts To 'Run Down The Clock' On Legacy Act
Sinn Féin has said that attempts to "run down the clock" until the controversial Legacy Act is enacted are "cynical and cruel". North Belfast MP, John Finucane, said: "I welcome and agree with the assessment of former Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan that state bodies are attempting to 'run down the clock' until the Legacy Act is enacted.
SF Slams Attempts To 'Run Down The Clock' On Legacy Act
Sinn Féin has said that attempts to "run down the clock" until the controversial Legacy Act is enacted are "cynical and cruel". North Belfast MP, John Finucane, said: "I welcome and agree with the assessment of former Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan that state bodies are attempting to 'run down the clock' until the Legacy Act is enacted.
06 July 2022
SF Reiterates Calls For Legacy Bill To Be Scrapped
Sinn Féin has reiterated calls for the government's Legacy Bill to be scrapped following comments by a leading EU Commissioner.
SF Reiterates Calls For Legacy Bill To Be Scrapped
Sinn Féin has reiterated calls for the government's Legacy Bill to be scrapped following comments by a leading EU Commissioner.
-
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.
