Alliance secures policing safeguards

6.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 17th May 2006

Alliance Party Justice Spokesperson, Dr Stephen Farry

Alliance Party Justice Spokesperson, Dr Stephen Farry, has welcomed assurances regarding a triple-lock on the devolution of policing and justice that were outlined by David Hanson in the House of Commons today. The safeguards of a cross-community vote in the Assembly, a declaration by the Secretary of State, and a vote in Parliament reflect proposals tabled by the Alliance Party at the Leeds Castle talks two years ago.

Stephen Farry stated: "The devolution of policing and justice powers to the Assembly is highly desirable. It is the final piece in the jigsaw of creating a new beginning for policing.

"However, there will be great concerns right across the community at the prospect of certain local politicians, both unionist and nationalist, taking control over policing and justice. People value their sense of security, and will not want it to be compromised. Furthermore, any devolved Executive needs to prove that it can work collectively and responsibly in the interests of the whole community.

"Accordingly, any decision to devolve policing powers must be based upon the right conditions within society and within the Assembly being in place. This triple-lock provides important safeguards in relation to the timing of devolution. The bigger question now become the precise structures for decision-making and accountability within any Executive."

ENDS