The Ulster Unionist Party has responded to the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Thompson case. Doug Beattie MC MLA emphasised the need for full disclosure for victims while safeguarding national security.

Ulster Unionist Justice Spokesperson Doug Beattie MC MLA said:

“The Ulster Unionist Party is clear that 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.  Failure to disclose all information should be done by exception; it should not be standard practice, and it is important that governance mechanisms are in place to prevent it from being abused.

“In regard to the murder of Liam Paul Thompson, it is hard to see how national security can be compromised by releasing information into his murder while at the same time redacting names and covert procedures. 

“The judgment itself highlights serious procedural failings. Lord Stephens stated: ‘The Coroner failed to apply the correct test before departing from the assessment by the Secretary of State as to the nature and extent of damage to national security which would flow from disclosure.’ He further added: ‘The Coroner wrongly failed to obtain the views of the Secretary of State before making any decision to disclose the gist of the information.’

“I also find it difficult to take Amnesty International seriously when they said the judgment could allow the Government to “conceal the involvement of state agents in Troubles killings”. This same organisation said nothing about the failure to release the names of those 16 IRA members who were given Royal Prerogative of Mercy between 2000 and 2002. Some of whom were, and some still are, elected representatives. Indeed, I have not seen Amnesty International make any representation on the ‘On The Run’ letters that have delayed and denied justice.

“The reality is that the Court has the power to decide; where I can understand the decision, I cannot accept there isn’t another way to release as much information as possible to the family without undermining national security.”