HC Deb 10 December 2001 vol 376 cc542-3W
Rev. Martin Smyth

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on present levels of(a) terrorist violence and (b) community unrest. [18881]

Jane Kennedy

We continue to monitor the activities of all paramilitary groups who are on ceasefire. The loyalist UDA/UFF, and the LVF, were specified on 23 October, and a threat remains from disaffected elements within loyalism who continue with their campaign to disrupt the peace process. The ceasefires of the main republican paramilitary groups are believed to be holding though there is a significant threat from dissident republicans. Community tensions remain high throughout Northern Ireland, but more particularly, within interface areas in north Belfast where there have been ongoing sectarian attacks carried out by rival factions on both sides of the community.