§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assistance Unionist political parties are giving the police in curbing the criminal activities of Unionist paramilitary groups. [162594]
§ Jane KennedyThe Police Service of Northern Ireland does not categorise any paramilitary group as Unionist. The category used is Loyalist. Unionist political parties have publicly stated their support for the police in their efforts to tackle the criminal activities of Loyalist paramilitary groups. Representatives of Unionist parties also sit on the Policing Board and show their further support for the police at community level by participating in the local District Policing Partnerships.