SDLP \Leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood
The Foyle MP said that briefing via sources in the London press rather than speaking directly to those who have lost ones is “shabby, cynical and dishonest”.
Said Mr Eastwood: “The British Government’s plan to end the prosecution of those involved in murder on the streets of Northern Ireland is an absolute betrayal of victims and survivors who have campaigned for justice for decades.
“These plans demonstrate that this government is more interested in keeping Tory backbenchers sweet than delivering truth, justice and accountability for horrendous crimes committed here.
“It is totally appalling.
“The Secretary of State was in Dublin yesterday engaging with the Irish Government.
“It is astounding that he chose to deliberately conceal these plans from the co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, instead electing to have government sources brief the Tory press in London.
“No discussion with political parties in the North, no discussion with victims or their families.
“It is shabby, cynical and absolutely dishonest.
“If the British Government thinks that denying truth and justice will resolve the difficulties of our past then they have learned nothing from the last 50 years.
“They will simply damn another generation to carrying the burden of injustice and will poison efforts to reconcile our communities.”
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