§ 24. Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons were killed or injured as a result of terrorism this year; what changes he has made in his security policy during this year; and what further changes he contemplates?
§ Mr. Humphrey Atkins69 persons have been killed and 687 injured as a result of terrorism in Northern Ireland this year.
The Government's security policy has always been, and remains, the elimination of terrorism and the extension of normal policing throughout Northern Ireland. This policy is implemented through the steadfast and impartial enforcement of the law by the police, supported as necessary by the Army, and coupled with close professional cooperation between the security forces in the North and those in the Republic. While there is still much to be done before the people of Northern Ireland can live in peace and free from fear, I believe that the continuing reduction in the overall level of terrorist violence so far this year shows that this is the right approach, and I have no plans to change it.