§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of "Bloody Sunday" (January 30th 1972), they will make a formal apology to the relatives of all persons killed or injured by British Armed or Security Forces, operating in Northern Ireland.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Baroness Denton of Wakefield)In a letter to John Hume MP in 1992 the Prime Minister wrote:
"It would not be right for me to seek to cast judgment on the events of "Bloody Sunday" at this distance in time; nor would it be right for me retrospectively to comment on the actions of the soldiers on that day, or on the guilt or innocence of any individual or individuals involved in those events. The Government made clear in 1974 that those who were killed on "Bloody Sunday" should be regarded as innocent of any allegation that they were shot whilst handling firearms or explosives. I hope that the families of those who died will accept that assurance".
The Government are not proposing to make a formal apology.