SDLP focus on policing as representatives meet HRC

Senior SDLP party members have met with the Human Rights Commission (HRC) as part of a strategy focusing on policing in Northern Ireland.

The SDLP delegation, including Assembly members Alex Attwood, John Dallat, Carmel Hanna and Patricia Lewsley, approached the HRC on Wednesday August 29, to flesh out their policy on the policing structures to be put in place following the political party’s broad acceptance of the policing implementation plan.

Before the meeting the SDLP’s Patricia Lewsley said: “In going onto the Policing Board, the SDLP will advance Patten within policing structures and continue to advance Patten on other fronts.

“There are judgements to be made and details to be agreed by the Policing Board in the immediate future that cannot be left to the Secretary of State on one hand and a Unionist dominated Policing Board on the other. On the Board the SDLP will enable the pro-Patten argument to prevail and the nationalist experience inform policing practice.”

The SDLP are seeking the involvement of the HRC in the development of the human rights aspects of the new policing service. In particular the preparation of the Code of Ethics, training and education development strategies, and appraisal systems for police officers. The SDLP are also backing the withdrawal of plastic bullets.

SDLP chairman Alex Attwood said that nationalists should be prepared to join in this work and help secure a “new beginning”.

On August 17, Northern Ireland Secretary of State Dr John Reid published the 75-page plan outlining changes to recast the RUC into the Police Service for Northern Ireland.

Although the SDLP accepted the proposals in part both Sinn Fein and unionists have voiced their deep reservations concerning the policing plan.

Sinn Fein claim the plan does not fully implement the proposals contained in the report of the Patten Commission made two years ago, while unionists are reluctant to accept changes to the established security infrastructure. (SP)