Boris Johnson 'apologises' for army killing 10 'entirely innocent' people in Ballymurphy in 1971

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has “apologised unreservedly on behalf of the UK Government for the events that took place in Ballymurphy” and the “huge anguish” caused to the families of those killed, Downing Street said following a call with the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland.
By PA Reporters
Published 12th May 2021, 17:41 BST
Updated 12th May 2021, 18:14 BST
The families of the victims and supporters waving white flags with the words "innocent" on them, in Ballymurphy, just hours after a coroner ruled that the 10 people killed in the west Belfast shootings involving British soldiers in Ballymurphy in August 1971 were entirely innocent.The families of the victims and supporters waving white flags with the words "innocent" on them, in Ballymurphy, just hours after a coroner ruled that the 10 people killed in the west Belfast shootings involving British soldiers in Ballymurphy in August 1971 were entirely innocent.
The families of the victims and supporters waving white flags with the words "innocent" on them, in Ballymurphy, just hours after a coroner ruled that the 10 people killed in the west Belfast shootings involving British soldiers in Ballymurphy in August 1971 were entirely innocent.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Prime Minister spoke to the First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill, this afternoon.

“He said the conclusions of the Ballymurphy Inquest, published yesterday, were deeply sad and that the events of August 1971 were tragic.

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“The Prime Minister apologised unreservedly on behalf of the UK Government for the events that took place in Ballymurphy and the huge anguish that the lengthy pursuit of truth has caused the families of those killed.

“The Prime Minister restated the Government’s intention to deliver a way forward in Northern Ireland that focuses on reconciliation, delivers for victims of the Troubles and ends the cycle of reinvestigations.

“He stressed the importance of working hard to keep the gains made through the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and of all parties doing their utmost to help the victims’ families find out what happened to their loved ones, so that future generations are not burdened by the past.

“The Prime Minister also congratulated the First Minister and deputy First Minister on Northern Ireland’s progress in rolling out coronavirus vaccinations. He extended an invitation for the First Minister and deputy First Minister to join a meeting to discuss Covid recovery.”

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