11/02/2003
Government criticised over Policing Bill
The government came under attack today from unionists, nationalists and Conservative MP's over the changes to policing in Northern Ireland.
A heated debate raged at Westminster today over the new Police Bill which will finally implement most of the Patten Report and give more power to the police ombudsman and chief constable.
While unionist and Conservative MP's believe the changes are designed to appease nationalists and republicans, the SDLP also criticised the government over its inability to fully implement the report on schedule two years ago.
Ulster Unionist MP David Burnside said concessions were still being negotiated behind the scenes with the SDLP and Sinn Fein to "further weaken policing in Northern Ireland".
However, he warned that unionists were not "bluffing when we say if you make further concessions way and beyond the Good Friday Agreement, we will not be on the Policing Board".
Unionists claim the bill is a result of guarantees given during the Weston Park talks in July 2001.
The SDLP also hit out at the government as "indecisive" given that it had taken two years to finally draw up this new Policing Bill.
The party's former deputy leader Seamus Mallon said: "The very fact that we are having this debate is a recognition of a legislative failure, a legislative failure in relation to policing."
However, the government was not the only entity to be criticised by Mr Mallon. Sinn Fein were also attacked for failing to take their seats on the Policing Board – a decision which Sinn Fein say reflects the lack of movement on the full implementation of the Patten Report.
Mr Mallon said: "How much of his report did Patten say should be implemented? And by whom did he say his report should be implemented? (It should be) By the Board. That is why, if Sinn Fein truly wants Patten delivered, they should be on the Board.
"And I look forward to the day when they join the Board. I am sure that it is not far off."
The government hopes the bill will be on the statute books before Easter.
However one issue regarding the Patten proposals remains outstanding. Last year, PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde decided not to proceed with the break up of the full-time reserve because of strains on police resources.
(MB)
A heated debate raged at Westminster today over the new Police Bill which will finally implement most of the Patten Report and give more power to the police ombudsman and chief constable.
While unionist and Conservative MP's believe the changes are designed to appease nationalists and republicans, the SDLP also criticised the government over its inability to fully implement the report on schedule two years ago.
Ulster Unionist MP David Burnside said concessions were still being negotiated behind the scenes with the SDLP and Sinn Fein to "further weaken policing in Northern Ireland".
However, he warned that unionists were not "bluffing when we say if you make further concessions way and beyond the Good Friday Agreement, we will not be on the Policing Board".
Unionists claim the bill is a result of guarantees given during the Weston Park talks in July 2001.
The SDLP also hit out at the government as "indecisive" given that it had taken two years to finally draw up this new Policing Bill.
The party's former deputy leader Seamus Mallon said: "The very fact that we are having this debate is a recognition of a legislative failure, a legislative failure in relation to policing."
However, the government was not the only entity to be criticised by Mr Mallon. Sinn Fein were also attacked for failing to take their seats on the Policing Board – a decision which Sinn Fein say reflects the lack of movement on the full implementation of the Patten Report.
Mr Mallon said: "How much of his report did Patten say should be implemented? And by whom did he say his report should be implemented? (It should be) By the Board. That is why, if Sinn Fein truly wants Patten delivered, they should be on the Board.
"And I look forward to the day when they join the Board. I am sure that it is not far off."
The government hopes the bill will be on the statute books before Easter.
However one issue regarding the Patten proposals remains outstanding. Last year, PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde decided not to proceed with the break up of the full-time reserve because of strains on police resources.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.