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Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill

Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. In considering the clauses, which relate to the conditions under which policing and justice powers may be devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly at some point in the future, it is important and relevant to consider the parties involved and the conditions that they have to meet. In that context, the Secretary of State’s comments today, referred to by my right hon. Friend, are significant. The point made by my hon. Friend the Member for Lagan Valley (Mr. Donaldson) is also significant. I know Raymond McCord, he is one of my constituents and I have spoken to him on many occasions. I am aware of the hurt and the pain that he and his family have gone through as the result of the death of his son at the hands of the UVF, and many other people have been in touch with our party to express their utter revulsion at the latest development with the UUP. The suggestion that the UUP, through Mr. Copeland, would attempt to bribe Mr. McCord into silence adds another dimension of revulsion, and it poses serious questions about the judgment of that party.