Ulster Unionist Leader Mike Nesbitt MLA has said that Tony Blair must appear in front of a Westminster committee to answer questions regarding the letters received by so-called ‘On the Runs.’
Mr Nesbitt said:
“The reluctance of Tony Blair to engage with the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee’s Inquiry into the “letters of comfort” issued to more than 200 “on the run” republicans is totally unacceptable.
“He was the Prime Minister when the vast majority of these letters were issued and he has many questions to answer regarding this matter, not least who decided upon this process, why they chose to do so and who else was notified at the time.
“In the past the Ulster Unionist Party quite rightly criticised the IRA for refusing to engage in a meaningful manner with the Smithwick Tribunal in Dublin, as it sought to investigate allegations of collusion between rogue elements of the Gardai and the IRA. On that occasion, we highlighted the fact the IRA refused to subject themselves to direct questioning by Justice Smithwick. This leaves the lingering suspicion they were attempting to hide the truth. The same principle applies in this case.
“We will not hesitate to speak out on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland if a former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom refuses to engage in a full and transparent manner with a committee of the House of Commons by turning up in person at Westminster.”