Boris Johnson Ballymurphy apology an 'insult to the families' says son of victim

John Teggart, son of one of the 10 killed at Ballymurphy, has said the Prime Minister’s apology was not a public apology.
By PA Reporters
Published 12th May 2021, 17:59 BST
Updated 12th May 2021, 18:00 BST
John Teggart, whose father Daniel was one of 10 innocent people shot dead by British paratroopers in west Belfast in August 1971.John Teggart, whose father Daniel was one of 10 innocent people shot dead by British paratroopers in west Belfast in August 1971.
John Teggart, whose father Daniel was one of 10 innocent people shot dead by British paratroopers in west Belfast in August 1971.

He said it is an “insult to the families” that Boris Johnson’s apology came in a conversation with others.

“The apology was to third parties, it wasn’t to the Ballymurphy families,” he told the BBC.

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“It’s not a public apology … what kind of insult is it to families that he couldn’t have the conversation with ourselves. His office couldn’t come and speak to the families of what he was doing.

“That’s not acceptable to the families and never will be.

“This is not an apology to us.”

Earlier, 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.

“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.

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“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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