04/03/2002
SDLP mount challenge on court symbols in Westminster
The SDLP have mounted a challenge in the House of Commons against plans made by the British government to keep Royal crests on court buildings in Northern Ireland.
Former Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon, ex-party leader John Hume and Parliamentary chief whip Eddie McGrady all travelled to London on Monday March 4 to address the Commons over what they say is a political u-turn made by the British government last week to allow the British flag and symbols on and in some courthouses for architectural reasons.
As a result, crests in courtrooms which are regarded as having architectural merit will remain in place and new courts being built will also have an outside crests.
The party claims that the British government is retracting from its commitments under the Criminal Justice Review, which is currently in Committee stage and the Belfast Agreement.
The Criminal Justice Review, which was set up as part of the Good Friday Agreement, had recommended no change to the Royal coat of arms outside court buildings, but that there should be no such symbols inside courtrooms.
The SDLP has said the move is "inconsistent with sound political practice" as it undermines the recommendations of the Criminal Justice Review on ensuring the removal of royal symbols in courthouses.
SDLP spokesman on justice Alex Attwood said it was important the British government “stand fully and firmly with all of the Good Friday Agreement”.
“Any unseemly barter adds nothing to confidence in the political process or its bets expression, the Good Friday Agreement,” he added.
(AMcE)
Former Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon, ex-party leader John Hume and Parliamentary chief whip Eddie McGrady all travelled to London on Monday March 4 to address the Commons over what they say is a political u-turn made by the British government last week to allow the British flag and symbols on and in some courthouses for architectural reasons.
As a result, crests in courtrooms which are regarded as having architectural merit will remain in place and new courts being built will also have an outside crests.
The party claims that the British government is retracting from its commitments under the Criminal Justice Review, which is currently in Committee stage and the Belfast Agreement.
The Criminal Justice Review, which was set up as part of the Good Friday Agreement, had recommended no change to the Royal coat of arms outside court buildings, but that there should be no such symbols inside courtrooms.
The SDLP has said the move is "inconsistent with sound political practice" as it undermines the recommendations of the Criminal Justice Review on ensuring the removal of royal symbols in courthouses.
SDLP spokesman on justice Alex Attwood said it was important the British government “stand fully and firmly with all of the Good Friday Agreement”.
“Any unseemly barter adds nothing to confidence in the political process or its bets expression, the Good Friday Agreement,” he added.
(AMcE)
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