Menu
16/03/2023
SDLP Calls For Public Inquiry Into Plastic And Rubber Bullet Use
The SDLP has called for a public inquiry into the use of plastic and rubber bullets by British forces and police during the Troubles, despite knowledge that the bullets were deemed 'too dangerous'.
MLA and Policing Board member, Mark H Durkan, made the call following an examination of declassified documents by BBC Spotlight which points at a potential cover-up by the army and the RUC into the deaths of eight children killed by rubber bullets during the Troubles. In total sixteen people were killed and others seriously injured.
The Foyle MLA commented: "These documents reveal that British armed forces knew the risks of using plastic bullets as early as 1971. The army's own Land Operations Manual outlined that these rounds should not be used against children but despite this knowledge the use of the riot gun continued for over a decade, resulting in the deaths of eight children. That is absolutely horrendous. It is unequivocal evidence of a cover-up at the hands of British forces.
"My thoughts are with victims' families at this time, particularly with the families of Julie Livingstone and Paul Whitters, aged 10 and 15 respectively who were shot and killed by army and RUC plastic bullets. British state files relating to their deaths were recently reclassified until 2064 and 2059. This shocking move was hard to comprehend at the time; now, in light of declassified documents it further supports claims of a cover-up.
"Eight children here were denied a future, denied life, there was no justification for these shootings. Sixteen families lost their loved ones and those involved in their deaths must be held accountable. Victims and survivors deserve justice; a public inquiry is the only way forward."
MLA and Policing Board member, Mark H Durkan, made the call following an examination of declassified documents by BBC Spotlight which points at a potential cover-up by the army and the RUC into the deaths of eight children killed by rubber bullets during the Troubles. In total sixteen people were killed and others seriously injured.
The Foyle MLA commented: "These documents reveal that British armed forces knew the risks of using plastic bullets as early as 1971. The army's own Land Operations Manual outlined that these rounds should not be used against children but despite this knowledge the use of the riot gun continued for over a decade, resulting in the deaths of eight children. That is absolutely horrendous. It is unequivocal evidence of a cover-up at the hands of British forces.
"My thoughts are with victims' families at this time, particularly with the families of Julie Livingstone and Paul Whitters, aged 10 and 15 respectively who were shot and killed by army and RUC plastic bullets. British state files relating to their deaths were recently reclassified until 2064 and 2059. This shocking move was hard to comprehend at the time; now, in light of declassified documents it further supports claims of a cover-up.
"Eight children here were denied a future, denied life, there was no justification for these shootings. Sixteen families lost their loved ones and those involved in their deaths must be held accountable. Victims and survivors deserve justice; a public inquiry is the only way forward."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 November 2024
Ministers Unite To Promote Road Safety
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed Executive support for the 'Share the Road to Zero' road safety initiative. Ministers have come together to record a video encouraging the public to take responsibility and care on the roads.
Ministers Unite To Promote Road Safety
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed Executive support for the 'Share the Road to Zero' road safety initiative. Ministers have come together to record a video encouraging the public to take responsibility and care on the roads.
24 January 2017
Two Men Arrested After Police Officer Shot In North Belfast
Two more men have been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of a police officer in north Belfast. The attack happened at a petrol station on the Crumlin Road on Sunday, 22 January. The officer sustained two bullet wounds to his arm and is in a stable condition in hospital.
Two Men Arrested After Police Officer Shot In North Belfast
Two more men have been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of a police officer in north Belfast. The attack happened at a petrol station on the Crumlin Road on Sunday, 22 January. The officer sustained two bullet wounds to his arm and is in a stable condition in hospital.
22 September 2014
Alliance Representatives Receive Bullet Threats
Two Alliance Belfast representatives have said they will "not be deterred" after having bullets hand-delivered to each of their homes on Friday night. Alliance Belfast Councillor Emmet McDonough-Brown and South Belfast representative Duncan Morrow said the threats would not stop them from continuing to represent the people of south Belfast.
Alliance Representatives Receive Bullet Threats
Two Alliance Belfast representatives have said they will "not be deterred" after having bullets hand-delivered to each of their homes on Friday night. Alliance Belfast Councillor Emmet McDonough-Brown and South Belfast representative Duncan Morrow said the threats would not stop them from continuing to represent the people of south Belfast.
24 May 2002
Campaigners slam Police Ombudsman’s’ plastic bullet report
A local pressure group opposed to the use of plastic bullets has slammed the Police Ombudsman’s report into the use of plastic bullets due to be published next week as "lacking" and “merely perfunctory”.
Campaigners slam Police Ombudsman’s’ plastic bullet report
A local pressure group opposed to the use of plastic bullets has slammed the Police Ombudsman’s report into the use of plastic bullets due to be published next week as "lacking" and “merely perfunctory”.
25 March 2005
PSNI to get new plastic baton round
The PSNI is to adopt a new plastic baton round following backing from the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
PSNI to get new plastic baton round
The PSNI is to adopt a new plastic baton round following backing from the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
-
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.
