The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has formally acknowledged the judgment handed down today by the UK Supreme Court in the significant Thompson case, recognising the clarity the ruling provides on complex legal matters.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher confirmed the immediate next steps: "We will now take time to study today's judgment in detail and will carefully consider its implications."

The Chief Constable also directed attention to the existing record of the police service's position: "Our written evidence and submissions in this case are published on our website." The case originated from a Public Interest Immunity (PII) claim made by the police service on the basis of national security. As highlighted within the judgment, the PSNI has already initiated measures to overhaul its procedure for dealing with such claims, having published new in-house guidance on PII on 12th December 2025.

Mr Boutcher reaffirmed the service's commitment to addressing legacy issues: "If we are to build a safe, confident and peaceful society, then we must find a way of dealing with the legacy of our past and we are committed to playing our part in that process."

Concluding, he signalled forthcoming partnership discussions: "We are very much looking forward to meeting with the NIO and other stakeholders in the New Year to discuss the judgement. We need a PII process that works to the satisfaction of the courts and our partners, and has regard to the proper disclosure of information to victims and their families."