Westminster must control NI security

Published Thursday, 18 February 2010

The threat of Islamic terrorists striking in Northern Ireland is a primary reason why control of national security matters in the region must remain at Westminster, Shaun Woodward has said.

Explaining why responsibility for MI5 will continue to be controlled by the UK Government when the devolution of policing and justice powers to Stormont takes place, the Northern Ireland Secretary said the possibility of al Qaida targeting the region had to be considered.

While stressing there was no current intelligence suggesting an attack was imminent, Mr Woodward said that as a part of the UK it was vulnerable.

"It's inconceivable that the very threats that are experienced in Great Britain or indeed in the Republic of Ireland won't also be threats here in Northern Ireland," he told MLAs at Stormont.

"And to imagine that they couldn't be or wouldn't be, and to take no precautions on that basis, would be very foolish."

Outlining a new protocol that will define the links between Stormont and Whitehall on the issues, he insisted that the region's new justice minister would be informed by the Secretary of State's department about matters that related to Northern Ireland.

Acknowledging that some people in the region still viewed the security services with distrust as a result of operations during the Troubles, he told the Assembly and Executive Review committee that all national security decisions taken would be accountable.

Mr Woodward said in a bid to instil confidence in the structures, an independent reviewer would be appointed to scrutinise national security decisions taken in Northern Ireland.

"This exceptional role is I judge to recognise the exceptional position of Northern Ireland and the need to ensure that confidence is maintained by everybody in system."

'Trust'

But Mr Woodward's comments drew criticism from nationalist and republican members of the committee.

Alex Attwood from the SDLP said it was not acceptable that the UK Government would be able to decide what information it disclosed to Stormont.

"That will not provide reassurance to the people of the north that it will be the British Government deciding what is shared and on what terms it is shared," said the west Belfast MLA.

"That will not provide the reassurance and while I hear your good intentions there is not anything concrete in that (the protocol) in order to bring about the level of trust and confidence that is needed."

Comments

2 Comments

Sean in Belfast wrote (826 days ago):

"Al Qaeda" wont attack Ireland - Ever. North or South - Are the Defence Forces occupying Afghanistan/Iraq? - NO. Sure the Brits are only looking to keep control of "NI security" because then as was said in the clip they can choose what info (if any..) they give out about the recent conflict ie Collusion/Shoot to Kill policy. "Al Qaeda" attacks in NI - Aye right!

charles in lisbellaw wrote (826 days ago):

Sean Woodward clearly hasn't thought this one through. His retention of MI5 in Northern Ireland will only offend his wee pets Gerry and Martin. They who must not be offended will as usual have to have the final say on this, so the ordinary joe knows that woodward has spoken too soon this time.