§ 6. Andrew Selous (South-West Bedfordshire)What recent representations he has received about (a) punishment beatings and (b) forced exiles in Northern Ireland. [101444]
§ The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Jane Kennedy)Both the Secretary of State and I hold regular meetings with our senior security advisers, and with 279 elected representatives and those with influence within their communities, to discuss a wide range of security issues, including paramilitary attacks.
§ Andrew SelousWhat steps is the Minister prepared to take to make the ending of all forced exiles and exclusions a condition of any future agreement with the paramilitaries?
§ Jane KennedyThe hon. Gentleman will have heard the replies to that question given just now by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. In many cases, these vicious attacks have left victims physically and mentally scarred for life. They are the exact opposite of what the Belfast agreement is all about. Those who sanction and carry out the attacks are the enemies of the transition to a peaceful society in Northern Ireland, which is what we are seeking to establish.