Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA is meeting with Secretary of State Hilary Benn in London today to address what he describes as serious failings in security vetting and accountability within the Office of the Police Ombudsman.

Mr Burrows expressed concern regarding the oversight of the role, noting that the Police Ombudsman possesses extensive powers and maintains the highest level of security clearance to handle "Top Secret" documentation.

The UUP Leader highlighted a specific incident involving the former Ombudsman, Marie Anderson, in September 2023, which resulted in a long-term criminal investigation.

"It is a matter of public record that, following an incident at her home in September 2023, Ms Marie Anderson was subject to a protracted criminal investigation," Jon Burrows MLA stated. "This ought to have led to a review of her security clearance under established vetting protocols." Mr Burrows claimed that despite repeated enquiries directed at the Justice Minister, the First and Deputy First Minister, and the Secretary of State, he has been unable to confirm if such a security review ever took place.

He pointed to a lack of clarity regarding which department holds responsibility for the matter, noting that the Secretary of State views it as a devolved issue while local ministers have denied jurisdiction.

"Furthermore, our scrutiny has revealed that there is no power to suspend a Police Ombudsman under any circumstances. This is staggering," he added.

Concluding his remarks ahead of the meeting, Mr Burrows emphasised the need for immediate legislative and procedural changes.

"There are serious issues to be addressed in relation to the handling of vetting matters relating to the former Ombudsman and the overall accountability arrangements for the Office. Transparency and reform are paramount and I will raise them with the Secretary of State today when meeting with him in London."