HC Deb 08 November 2000 vol 356 c259W
Mr. Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the recent level of paramilitary activity in Northern Ireland. [135600]

Mr. Mandelson

We condemn the recent upsurge in violence in North and West Belfast. In the past number of days four men have been killed as a result of feuding between loyalist paramilitary organisations. I know from my own visits to these communities just how much pain has been suffered. The Government are resolute in their determination to tackle this issue and maintain a proper security presence in these areas to deal with this threat. We support the Chief Constable in his decision to re-introduce troops on to the streets of Belfast to provide additional support to the police.

We also condemn the recent attack on Castlewellan RUC Station. Any attack of this nature is to be deplored but to attack police officers as they carry out their duty in protecting the public is particularly heinous. Our thoughts are with Reserve Constable David Fegan and his family at this time.