TUV: Cross-border elements are gravest mistake in a long and shameful south Armagh PSNI report

The leader of the TUV Jim Allister has described the cross-border proposals put forward in the South Armagh Policing Review as the most serious mistake in an overall “shameful” document.
Soldiers in Crossmaglen in 1994, surrounded by Sinn Fein protestors, who converged on the police/army barracks to object to its presence in the villageSoldiers in Crossmaglen in 1994, surrounded by Sinn Fein protestors, who converged on the police/army barracks to object to its presence in the village
Soldiers in Crossmaglen in 1994, surrounded by Sinn Fein protestors, who converged on the police/army barracks to object to its presence in the village

Mr Allister, alongside Ballymena councillor Matthew Armstrong and party activist Samuel Morrison held what they described as a “robust meeting” with temporary Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singelton yesterday.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Allister gave a damning denouncement of the report’s contents, saying “one could be forgiven for thinking could have been written by Sinn Fein”.

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He went on: “Perhaps the most significant aspect of this report is its proposals relating to the cross border elements. It suggests ‘joint rather than parallel policing’ with the Garda with ‘a cross-border accountability mechanism’.

“This cuts to the heart of sovereignty. No foreign police force should have a say in how policing operates in Northern Ireland.

“As I told the PSNI during our meeting this morning, there has been no report seeking to address the issues which are leading to a crisis of confidence within the Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist community – something which will not be lost on many when they read this idiotic and insulting document.

“If this report and its recommendations are approved, there will be a duty on all Unionists on the Policing Board to immediately resign. They should make this clear today. Nothing less than implacable opposition will do.”

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He recounted a number of recent events which have shaken some people’s confidence in the PSNI, including the Bobby Storey funeral, its ‘hands-off’ approach to a recent INLA commemorative gun display, and police action against Christian street preachers.

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