Murphy: Defending decision

The Northern Ireland secretary has defended his decision to despecify the UDA.

Despite fears of on-going violence and links to organised crime Paul Murphy welcomed an "opportunity to move forward".

The minister said he had received assurances that both the UDA and the UUF were committed to peace.

"I am persuaded by the advice I have received that it is appropriate to despecify the organisation," he told MPs.

"I have taken this decision cautiously and prudently, considering the full consequences of my actions, and the effect on others, particularly victims.

"I am only too conscious of the impact on victims of violence and the terrible consequences of both sectarianism and feuding within communities.

"I would reassure victims that this government has not forgotten their suffering and that we will continue to support and work with them."

Questionable move

He conceded, however, that "some may question this decision" in light of reported paramilitary activity.

"But it is clear, between the first and second relevant reports, that there has been a reduction in UDA activity. Other material provided to me would endorse that view," added Murphy.

"The UDA says that it wants lasting peace and that it can prove to the people of Northern Ireland that it can change. I believe it should be given the opportunity to do so."

The Cabinet minister warned that he would act to reverse his decision if the UDA did not deliver.

"The government has always made clear that it would judge paramilitary organisations by their deeds, not just their words alone," he added.

"So I will be watching the actions of the UDA very carefully over the coming weeks to ensure that they live up to the commitments that they have made.

"The UDA remains a proscribed organisation and the police will pursue relentlessly any criminal activity undertaken by its members or those of any other group."

Follow suit

Murphy went on to urge other groups engaged in violent activity to take similar steps.

"The time has long since passed for all paramilitary groups, loyalist and republican, to cease their activities once and for all and to decommission the weapons which have brought so much suffering to the people of Northern Ireland," said the Ulster secretary.

"I believe that yesterday’s announcement by the UDA, together with political dialogue which is currently taking place with other interested parties, constitutes a significant step towards achieving this goal."

The Tories said ministers must be sure that the UDA was committed to peace.

Challenging Murphy in the Commons shadow Ulster secretary David Lidington said: "The UDA has now committed itself to the eradication of all paramilitary activity.

"Do you agree that that must include not just all shootings and assaults, but also all the organised crime which has enabled the UDA to impose a mafia-style terror on loyalist
communities?

"What assurances have you been given that the drug-dealing, the racketeering, the exiling and the intimidation are now going to stop?"