§ 21. Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the current security situation in Northern Ireland. [135618]
§ 22. Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the current security situation. [135619]
§ Mr. IngramThe Government believe the main paramilitary groups are maintaining their cease-fires; however, there remains a threat from those groups who 259W are opposed to the peace process as evidenced by the recent explosion at Castlewellan RUC Station. These attacks are carried out against the will of the vast majority of the people of Northern Ireland who voted for the Good Friday agreement as the only way forward.
We condemn the recent upsurge in Loyalist violence and appeal to those leaders with influence over paramilitary organisations to bring this senseless feud to an end before the lives of more families are ruined.
§ Dr. George TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to create a normal security environment in Northern Ireland. [135623]
§ Mr. IngramThe Government are committed to normalisation of security as quickly as the threat allows. Major progress has already been made. There are currently under 13,500 troops in Northern Ireland—the lowest level since 1970. Since the ceasefire 31 military bases have been demolished or closed. The Borucki sangar in Crossmaglen has also been demolished.
The Chief Constable recently announced a number of further normalisation measures including the demolition of the six Fermanagh patrol bases, the closure and demolition of Long Kesh army base and, with effect from 1 October, the closure of Strand Road Holding Centre. Further steps will be taken when it is safe to do so.