Menu
14/01/2003
Heath denies ‘cover-up’ claims at Saville Inquiry
The former Conservative Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath has slammed suggestions that the British government planned the events of Bloody Sunday as "absurd".
Sir Edward arrived amid tight security at the Bloody Sunday Inquiry, which had been transferred to London, to give his evidence. The appearance of the 86-year-old was postponed last month when he fell ill a few days before he was due to testify.
The Saville tribunal, which has been running since 1998, is investigating the circumstances leading up to the killing of 13 people by paratroopers in Derry during a civil rights on January 30 1972.
"The tragic deaths outraged the Catholic community, increased support for the IRA and destroyed the prospect of a political initiative," Sir Edward said in his inquiry statement.
"It is therefore absurd to suggest that Her Majesty's Government intended or was prepared to risk the events which occurred."
As prime minister in 1972 Sir Edward ordered the original Widgery Inquiry into Bloody Sunday. He also denied pressuring Lord Widgery into producing a report that was favourable to the security forces and said the conclusions reached were achieved "without fear and favour".
Many of the survivors and relatives of the victims who dismissed the original Widgery Inquiry as a whitewash are expected to be at the London sitting.
Sir Edward is expected to give evidence only for short periods each day for the next three weeks due to his poor health.
(GMcG)
Sir Edward arrived amid tight security at the Bloody Sunday Inquiry, which had been transferred to London, to give his evidence. The appearance of the 86-year-old was postponed last month when he fell ill a few days before he was due to testify.
The Saville tribunal, which has been running since 1998, is investigating the circumstances leading up to the killing of 13 people by paratroopers in Derry during a civil rights on January 30 1972.
"The tragic deaths outraged the Catholic community, increased support for the IRA and destroyed the prospect of a political initiative," Sir Edward said in his inquiry statement.
"It is therefore absurd to suggest that Her Majesty's Government intended or was prepared to risk the events which occurred."
As prime minister in 1972 Sir Edward ordered the original Widgery Inquiry into Bloody Sunday. He also denied pressuring Lord Widgery into producing a report that was favourable to the security forces and said the conclusions reached were achieved "without fear and favour".
Many of the survivors and relatives of the victims who dismissed the original Widgery Inquiry as a whitewash are expected to be at the London sitting.
Sir Edward is expected to give evidence only for short periods each day for the next three weeks due to his poor health.
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 November 2001
Human Organs Inquiry set to answer public’s questions
The Human Organs Inquiry set up by the Department of Health has invited members of the public to come and air their views and listen to health service staff as well as relatives affected by the retention of human organs in Northern Ireland.
Human Organs Inquiry set to answer public’s questions
The Human Organs Inquiry set up by the Department of Health has invited members of the public to come and air their views and listen to health service staff as well as relatives affected by the retention of human organs in Northern Ireland.
13 January 2009
Robert Hamill Inquiry Opens Public Sessions
The Robert Hamill Inquiry commenced its full public hearings today. The probe - at the Interpoint Centre in Belfast - is examining how Robert Hamill died following an incident in Portadown on 27th April, 1997.
Robert Hamill Inquiry Opens Public Sessions
The Robert Hamill Inquiry commenced its full public hearings today. The probe - at the Interpoint Centre in Belfast - is examining how Robert Hamill died following an incident in Portadown on 27th April, 1997.
12 May 2010
Hamill Probe Seeks Public's Views
The Robert Hamill Inquiry is inviting members of the public to submit their views on any issues they believe the Inquiry should cover in its recommendations. The Inquiry intends to deliver its report, together with a series of recommendations, to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by the end of the year.
Hamill Probe Seeks Public's Views
The Robert Hamill Inquiry is inviting members of the public to submit their views on any issues they believe the Inquiry should cover in its recommendations. The Inquiry intends to deliver its report, together with a series of recommendations, to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by the end of the year.
12 September 2024
Hilary Benn Announces Public Inquiry Into Pat Finucane Murder
Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, has announced a decision to establish an independent inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 into the murder of Patrick Finucane. The 39-year-old solicitor was shot dead at his home in front of his wife and children by loyalist paramilitaries in February 1989.
Hilary Benn Announces Public Inquiry Into Pat Finucane Murder
Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, has announced a decision to establish an independent inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 into the murder of Patrick Finucane. The 39-year-old solicitor was shot dead at his home in front of his wife and children by loyalist paramilitaries in February 1989.
20 September 2021
Call For Public Inquiry Into Dalradian Gold Mine Projects
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has called on the Planning Appeals Commission to launch a Public Inquiry into the Dalradian Gold Mine projects. Making the call, Minister Mallon said: "In June 2020 I announced that the Dalradian Gold Mine project at Greencastle, County Tyrone would be the subject of an independent Public Inquiry.
Call For Public Inquiry Into Dalradian Gold Mine Projects
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has called on the Planning Appeals Commission to launch a Public Inquiry into the Dalradian Gold Mine projects. Making the call, Minister Mallon said: "In June 2020 I announced that the Dalradian Gold Mine project at Greencastle, County Tyrone would be the subject of an independent Public Inquiry.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
