13/05/2021

PM Apologises 'Unreservedly' For Deaths Of Innocent People In Ballymurphy

The Prime Minister has "apologised unreservedly" for the events that led to the death of 10 innocent civilians in Ballymurphy in August 1971.

Boris Johnson made the apology on behalf of the UK Government.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "He said the conclusions of the Ballymurphy Inquest, published yesterday, were deeply sad and that the events of August 1971 were tragic.

"The Prime Minister apologised unreservedly on behalf of the UK Government for the events that took place in Ballymurphy and the huge anguish that the lengthy pursuit of truth has caused the families of those killed."

Fresh inquests into the deaths involving the Army in Ballymurphy concluded that the victims were "entirely innocent" and soldiers were responsible for nine of the fatal shootings.

Coroner Mrs Justice Keegan found that the use of lethal force by the Army was not justified.

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