MPs debate ‘final renewal’ of Diplock powers
By Brian Walker
31 October 2005
The end of the security system that has dominated life in the province for so long was being foreshadowed at Westminster today.
MPs will debate what Ministers hope will be the last ever renewal of emergency powers for the courts and the security forces in the Terrorism (Northern Ireland) Bill.
In the main, it prolongs the powers of the non-jury Diplock courts and the special powers of arrest for the Army that apply purely in the province.
The measures expiring next summer will be extended to August 2007 but with added provision for an extra year to August 2008, “in case the security situation does not improve.”
Controversial powers to restrict suspects’ movements directed at Islamist terrorism in the Act of 2000 and this year’s forthcoming Act will apply in the province, but will not be directed at the local scene, say officials.
In the debate, Peter Hain was due to resist strong pressure to reveal further details of the judicial process for dealing with the extant offences of “on the runs” (OTRs).
Last Thursday Mr Hain provoked DUP, SDLP and Ulster Unionist anger when he appeared to suggest that a deal for OTRs could be extended to the review of 1,800 cold cases, allowing them also to be released under licence.
In a foretaste of the DUP’s likely line, Ian Paisley said that “the greatest possible resistance” must be organised against the proposals.
“If the British Government has no stomach for the fight they will discover that the unionist population will have none of the propaganda and spin and in no way will they give tolerance to such betrayal.”
Despite the DUP’s show of surprise, the concessions to OTRs were first outlined in an addition to the Joint Declaration by the two Prime Ministers in 2003.
In spite of firm denials by the Prime Minister and Mr Hain, Mr Paisley claimed that the next move would be the inclusion of IRA personnel into the police.
“Soon, well known IRA men will be ruling their own districts with the authority of the Government. In no way must these serious surrenders be allowed to come to fruition. It is now or never that the battle for Ulster’s soul will be won,” said the DUP leader.
Mr Hain is expected to resist clarifying the confusion over the numbers of offenders who could benefit from the OTRs legislation, beyond telling MPs that he expects to publish it next week.
Officials stress that he would not have approved £50m funding for the cold cases review, only to scupper it with the arrangements for the OTRs.
The improving security scene in the shape of the IMC’s preliminary finding of a quiescent IRA, the reports that the UDA have been in touch with General John de Chastelain’s decommissioning body and news that the murderous feud between the UVF and LVF may be over, are likely to welcomed by the House as a whole.
Some Labour MPs and the SDLP and are likely to call for faster “normalisation” in a speedier end to the Army’s security role.
