Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA has called for reform of accountability arrangements at Stormont, after the PSNI confirmed their investigation into the Drumcree and Garvaghy Road dispute has moved to the interview stage.

Jon Burrows MLA said:

“The PSNI have moved to the interview stage, and this must now lead to swift and visible follow up. An investigation is only as good as what follows it.

“The evidence should be pursued wherever it leads, including to those in the most senior political positions, without fear or favour and without regard to political status. That would be our position if those under investigation were unionists or members of my own party.

“The PSNI should also keep the public updated on the total number of people under investigation. They have done exactly that in other cases, including public disorder cases, and there is no reason for this one to be treated differently. Transparency builds confidence.

“Northern Ireland wants this stand off to end immediately and see a peaceful, lasting resolution to this dispute. The criminal justice process must continue independently and without unnecessary delay. Resolving the dispute does not remove the need for accountability, and accountability does not require the stand-off to continue.

“The evidence gathered on the day and the warnings recorded should now be followed through promptly and thoroughly. The public deserve to see progress.

“I have written to the Secretary of State asking that future breaches of parading determinations be met with significantly harsher penalties. If the consequences of blocking a lawful parade provide no meaningful deterrent, we risk seeing this repeated in another town, against another community.

“It’s clear that there is a need to reform accountability at Stormont. A system in which Sinn Féin can effectively veto the removal of its own ministers is ludicrous. No party should be able to shield its ministers from meaningful consequences. Accountability must mean more than whatever a party is willing to accept.

“It will be for the Public Prosecution Service to assess any files submitted to it and apply the prosecution tests independently. That is how it should be. Nobody's political position should place them above the law.”