PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT – PRESS STATEMENT

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SDLP MLA BURNS: DEVOLVE POLICING AND JUSTICE

SDLP South Antrim MLA Thomas Burns has said the devolution of policing and justice powers is one of the key pieces to completing the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

Speaking after Irish president Mary McAleese said she would welcome a visit from the Queen after the powers had been devolved, Mr Burns said there was clear political and community confidence for this to take place.

He said: “The SDLP believe that we should approach the Devolution of Policing and Justice as a great opportunity to shape and form our security and justice systems in accordance with local needs and aspirations. It is one of the final key pieces of completing the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and will establish local solutions to local problems.

“Devolution without Justice and Policing powers is a second division form of devolution. Power over policing and justice is the hallmark of real devolution and without it we are little more than a grand County Council. Now that we are moving into grown up adult politics, it is only right that we should be regarded as mature enough to look after our own security and legal system. How else are we to deal with car crime, anti-social behaviour and domestic violence, problems which afflict all aspects of society? We require the powers to take tough measures to tackle these issues on the ground and through controlling the sentencing powers of our courts

“The SDLP believes that that political and community confidence now exists for the devolution of powers to happen and any delay could put that confidence in jeopardy. We believe that people should not play politics with this issue. In any case, the public have shown an understanding of the realities and benefits of local control over these powers and have been unaffected by any scaremongering around the issue. The issue is of crucial importance to the public and all parties should continue to work to ensure that structures, roles and responsibilities are agreed and ready to roll out in the coming months. “

ENDS