Supreme Court legacy ruling: Chief Constable and Northern Ireland's courts were 'simply wrong' - MP
The ruling on the government’s victory in the Supreme Court over the role of the courts in the disclosure of sensitive intelligence documents is “crystal clear” – and shows the PSNI Chief Constable and local courts were wrong on a critical point, an MP has said.
Jim Allister says he welcomes the judgment from the UK’s top court, as it “reasserts the primacy of national security and the rule of law over politically driven disclosure”.
The government won in its bid to prevent the disclosure of certain sensitive material at a Troubles inquest – after both the High Court and Court of Appeal in Belfast had backed the decision by coroner Louisa Fee to release summaries of certain files.
TUV leader Mr Allister said the case “was never simply about transparency”.
“It was about whether coroners and courts could compel the release of sensitive security material in a way that risks exposing intelligence methods, informant handling and people who stood between society and terrorism.
“The Supreme Court has now made it crystal clear that they cannot.
“The Court has firmly rejected the idea that a desire for openness can override constitutional responsibility. It is deeply concerning that the Chief Constable and our local courts were wrong on this critical point and I trust both will reflect deeply on the ramifications of this judgement”, the North Antrim MP said.
PSNI chief Jon Boutcher said he wants a “process that works to the satisfaction of the courts and our partners, and has regard to the proper disclosure of information to victims and their families”.
The UUP said a balance should be struck between full disclosure for victims and safeguarding national security. Justice spokesperson Doug Beattie said all information should be made known to give victims full disclosure and closure.
“However, if full disclosure would undermine national security, put members of the public at risk by disclosing information indirectly linked to them, or put training, tactics, and procedures used in covert operations in the public domain, then there is a genuine need to redact information”, the Upper Bann MLA said.