Sinn Fein chief Martin McGuinness says Theresa Villiers to meet victims’ groups
THE NORTH’S Secretary of State Theresa Villiers has agreed to meet with relatives of Troubles victims to discuss their concerns over the “British government’s failure to uphold its commitments to full disclosure”, says Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.
On Tuesday, the Stormont House Agreement was brokered between Sinn Fein, the DUP and the two governments.
But Sinn Fein failed to reach agreement with the British Government on the legacy issues of past dealing with victims.
The party has been strongly criticised by letting down victims yet again in the negotiations.
But Sinn Fein claimed the British Government refused to give full disclosure on State murders and shootings citing ‘National Security’.
The MLA said today: “Sinn Féin said in the hours after the agreement we will continue to campaign along with victims’ groups to achieve the full disclosure they deserve on the killings of their loved ones.
“We also said we would hold the two governments to their commitment to return to the issue in the near future.
“That is why I met with Theresa Villiers today and pressed her to do exactly that.
“She confirmed that it remains her intention to seek a resolution and, for our part, Sinn Féin will continue to work to meet the needs of victims and their families.
“The fact is we were unable to reach an agreement during the talks because of the British Government’s failure to honour the Stormont House Agreement commitment to full disclosure.
“They continue to cover up the action of their agents, army, police and political establishment by using a so-called national security veto.
“That pretext for blocking disclosure is clearly nonsense as much of the information families are looking for is related to events 30 to 40 years ago.
“Therefore I asked Theresa Villiers to meet with victims’ groups face to face because it is for the British Government to explain why they are determined to withhold this information. She also needs to hear the concerns of victims’ groups directly.
“I welcome the fact that she agreed to meet with the groups and I believe those engagements need to take place as soon as possible if we are to resolve this issue.”
Earlier today, Victims Commissioner Judith Thompson said the victims of the Troubles felt like they had been “shunted off into a shed”.
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