Menu
05/03/2010
Bloody Sunday Report Imminent
The Northern Ireland Secretary of State has said he hopes to be in a position to publish Lord Saville's report into Bloody Sunday within days of receiving it.
The families had feared that the publication of the 5,000-page report, which took 12 years and cost £200m, could be delayed until the forthcoming general election was over.
But after meeting relatives and the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Shaun Woodward reassured them he would attempt to make it available within days of him receiving it at the end of the month.
Shaun Woodward was speaking in Londonderry on Thursday after meeting relatives of the 14 people killed by British soldiers on 30 January 1972.
The relatives of those killed asked Mr Woodward to give them the report at the same time as he receives it.
The report is to go to the Government in the week beginning 22 March.
The relatives had previously criticised Mr Woodward because they had been told they would not get the report until two weeks after they had received it.
They said they feared it could be amended or have parts withheld, but on Wednesday, Mr Woodward said the report had taken too long to complete.
He was speaking to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee at Westminster.
Mr Woodward promised he would only take about two weeks to consider the mammoth document but added that nobody knew when Prime Minister Gordon Brown would call the election.
The £200m inquiry was set up in 1998 to re-examine the events of 30 January 1972, when British soldiers shot dead 14 people in Londonderry's Bogside.
Just days ago, a leading politician, Alliance leader, David Ford also met relatives in Derry and acknowledged that comments he made in a leaked email had caused offence.
He said the inquiry was a 'waste of time' and noted: "This comment was taken out of the context of a hastily-written email and is not a full representation of my views," he said.
"I realise that my choice of language was clumsy and inarticulate, and its publication has caused hurt.
"I am very pleased to have been able to meet with some of the families and I have apologised to them for the comment that caused offence."
(BMcC/GK)
The families had feared that the publication of the 5,000-page report, which took 12 years and cost £200m, could be delayed until the forthcoming general election was over.
But after meeting relatives and the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, Shaun Woodward reassured them he would attempt to make it available within days of him receiving it at the end of the month.
Shaun Woodward was speaking in Londonderry on Thursday after meeting relatives of the 14 people killed by British soldiers on 30 January 1972.
The relatives of those killed asked Mr Woodward to give them the report at the same time as he receives it.
The report is to go to the Government in the week beginning 22 March.
The relatives had previously criticised Mr Woodward because they had been told they would not get the report until two weeks after they had received it.
They said they feared it could be amended or have parts withheld, but on Wednesday, Mr Woodward said the report had taken too long to complete.
He was speaking to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee at Westminster.
Mr Woodward promised he would only take about two weeks to consider the mammoth document but added that nobody knew when Prime Minister Gordon Brown would call the election.
The £200m inquiry was set up in 1998 to re-examine the events of 30 January 1972, when British soldiers shot dead 14 people in Londonderry's Bogside.
Just days ago, a leading politician, Alliance leader, David Ford also met relatives in Derry and acknowledged that comments he made in a leaked email had caused offence.
He said the inquiry was a 'waste of time' and noted: "This comment was taken out of the context of a hastily-written email and is not a full representation of my views," he said.
"I realise that my choice of language was clumsy and inarticulate, and its publication has caused hurt.
"I am very pleased to have been able to meet with some of the families and I have apologised to them for the comment that caused offence."
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 March 2024
Executive Agrees Increase In Regional Rate For 2024/25
The Executive has agreed an increase in the regional rate for 2024/25, to rise is line with inflation. If substantially approved by the Assembly, the regional rate element of the bill would add 46p per week to the bill for a domestic property with an average capital value of £123,000 and £10.
Executive Agrees Increase In Regional Rate For 2024/25
The Executive has agreed an increase in the regional rate for 2024/25, to rise is line with inflation. If substantially approved by the Assembly, the regional rate element of the bill would add 46p per week to the bill for a domestic property with an average capital value of £123,000 and £10.
12 February 2024
PHA Highlight Contraception Types This Sexual Health Week
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has highlighted the different types of contraception available, marking Sexual Health Week, 12-18 February. There are a range of contraceptives to help prevent unplanned pregnancy available to suit everyone's needs and what works best will depend on what matters to you, the PHA has said.
PHA Highlight Contraception Types This Sexual Health Week
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has highlighted the different types of contraception available, marking Sexual Health Week, 12-18 February. There are a range of contraceptives to help prevent unplanned pregnancy available to suit everyone's needs and what works best will depend on what matters to you, the PHA has said.
19 January 2024
AIB NI To Host Event During Apprenticeship Week
AIB NI has announced that its holding an event for young people, parents and career changers during NI Apprenticeship Week. The bank has partnered with early talent experts Workplus to hold the event at 5.00 pm on the 6 February at the AIB NI head office.
AIB NI To Host Event During Apprenticeship Week
AIB NI has announced that its holding an event for young people, parents and career changers during NI Apprenticeship Week. The bank has partnered with early talent experts Workplus to hold the event at 5.00 pm on the 6 February at the AIB NI head office.
12 March 2024
NI Households Left With Less Than £32 Per Week After Essentials
Discretionary income has fallen by over half since 2021 for Northern Ireland's lowest earning households, leaving them with only £31.31 per week on average, according to the Consumer Council.
NI Households Left With Less Than £32 Per Week After Essentials
Discretionary income has fallen by over half since 2021 for Northern Ireland's lowest earning households, leaving them with only £31.31 per week on average, according to the Consumer Council.
19 February 2024
Tax Credit Families Receiving Latest Cost Of Living Payment
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced that the latest £299 Cost of Living Payment is now being made to around 700,000 families in receipt of tax credits. HMRC is making the payments to eligible tax credits customers across the UK between 16 and 22 February 2024.
Tax Credit Families Receiving Latest Cost Of Living Payment
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has announced that the latest £299 Cost of Living Payment is now being made to around 700,000 families in receipt of tax credits. HMRC is making the payments to eligible tax credits customers across the UK between 16 and 22 February 2024.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mostly dry south and east, patchy light rain west and north through much of the day. A band of heavier rain crosses central and northern parts in the morning Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry in the southeast at first otherwise widespread light rain or drizzle for most, turning to clear spells and a few showers towards morning. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
