Muckamore Abbey scandal: Robin Swann to meet families over abuse inquiry

During his time as UUP leader, Mr Swann backed the calls for an inquiry into allegations of abuse at Muckamore Abbey Hospital in Co Antrim, a facility for patients with severe learning difficulties and mental health problems.

The hospital is at the centre of a major criminal investigation into allegations patients were abused by staff.

Glynn Brown, whose son is a patient at Muckamore, is a spokesman for the campaign group Action For Muckamore who are due to meet with Mr Swann later today.

“Robin Swann has already put it in writing, when he was the leader of the UUP, that he supports a full public inquiry,” Mr Brown said yesterday.

“This is now a test of the integrity of Northern Ireland’s politicians. He has met with the police so I am sure he now understands the full magnitude of what happened.”

Last month, Mr Swann was asked whether he would order an inquiry.

“I have made clear that patients and families have a right to answers on what went so appallingly wrong at Muckamore,” he said. “I clearly have a decision to make.”