§ 24. Sir Fergus MontgomeryTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his assessment of the current security situation in Northern Ireland. [20432]
§ Sir John WheelerThe announcement on 9 February by the Provisional IRA that it has ended its ceasefire, and the subsequent terrorist outrages, have rightly earned the condemnation of the world. Allied to this, the Combined Loyalist Military Council recently issued a statement declaring it will match PIRA violence "blow for blow".
Against this background, the security forces have introduced additional security measures and have responded in a proportionate manner.
The Government have consistently made it clear that they will not be deflected by terrorism from their determination to work towards a settlement which can win the allegiance of both communities.