Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA has written to the Secretary of State asking the Government to meet the full additional policing costs arising from Drumcree, after the Policing Board was told today that the operation has already cost around £3 million.

Jon Burrows MLA said:

“The Policing Board was told today that the Drumcree operation has already cost around £3 million, and with the operation continuing that figure may rise further.

“These are exceptional costs and they must not be absorbed within the PSNI's existing budget. Northern Ireland faces serious policing challenges every day: terrorism, organised crime, violence against women and girls, serious sexual offences, child abuse. Behind every one of those investigations is a person who needs protection, support and justice. They must not face longer waits or reduced protection because resources have been diverted to Drumcree.

“I am also conscious that the investigation into alleged law breaking by senior Sinn Féin politicians and others could be protracted and costly. It must be properly resourced so that every relevant line of evidence can be pursued thoroughly, impartially and without fear or favour, whatever position those involved hold. That investigation must neither be constrained by a lack of funding nor drain resources away from other victims awaiting justice.

“I have therefore asked the Government to commit to full cost recovery for all additional costs connected to Drumcree, including mutual aid, operational expenditure and the criminal investigation that follows.

“Whatever the eventual resolution at Drumcree, victims of serious crime elsewhere in Northern Ireland must not be the ones who pay for it.”

*Image courtesy of Presseye*