Govt Should Release Legacy Funding Immediately - SF

The government should release legacy funding immediately, Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has said.

Ms Dillion made the call following a ruling by the coroner into the death of Marian Brown in June 1972, stating that it is "further indication that the British government should implement the legacy mechanisms agreed at Stormont House".

The Sinn Féin Victims and Legacy spokesperson called for the release of the funds requested by the Lord Chief Justice to hold outstanding coroners' inquests.

Ms Dillon said: "The Brown family are entitled to the truth about the killing of Marian and hopefully today's ruling will help them in their quest for justice. 

"Families of victims of the conflict having been waiting too long for truth and justice on the killing of their loved ones.

"There is a clear need to address the issue of legacy of the past, we need to see the full implementation of the mechanisms agreed at the Stormont House talks.  

"The British government must move now to release legacy funding, as agreed in the most recent phase of talks, and bring this injustice to an end.

"The British government and the DUP must end their disgraceful denial of human rights immediately.

"They must implement the legacy mechanisms agreed at Stormont House and release the funds to the Lord Chief Justice immediately to allow these families access to truth and justice."

(MH/LM)