UUP meet with Chief Constable to discuss ongoing security threat

A delegation of senior Ulster Unionist Party representatives met with the Chief Constable and members of the PSNI Command this evening to discuss ongoing security issues and the continued threat posed by dissident republicans.

Commenting after the meeting Party Leader Sir Reg Empey said; "During the meeting we once again highlighted our concerns to the Chief Constable about the security situation, especially in the border area and pressed for additional resources to combat the level of threat from "dissidents" which is clearly very high. We assured the Chief Constable and his Senior Command of our continuing full support for all his officers in their efforts, but we did press for evidence of effective measures to deal with the threat to ensure public confidence is maintained. We made clear our belief that the Secretary of State needs to plough more resources into dealing with the dissident threat.

We continue to remember the service and sacrifice of the security forces as we approach the anniverseries of the murders of Sappers Patrick Azimkar and Mark Quinsey along with Constable Stephen Carroll. Their deaths are a stark reminder of the real threat posed by those who wish to return to violence."

"The Chief Constable assured us that everything is being done to ensure the safety of all the citizens in Northern Ireland. We will of course continue to monitor the situation and raise our concerns at the highest level"

Sir Reg was joined by party colleagues, Deputy Leader, Danny Kennedy MLA and UUP Policing Board member Basil McCrea MLA.