The Ulster Unionist Party’s Justice Spokesperson, Doug Beattie MC MLA, has called on West Midlands Police and the PSNI to take action following revelations made in an ITV documentary about who bombed Birmingham.

Doug Beattie MC MLA said:

“Many are quick to point an accusing finger at the British Government for not pursuing soldiers involved in troubles related deaths. The Ulster Unionist Party has been clear that all evidence of any wrong-doing or illegality should be followed, regardless of whether it leads to a soldier, policeman, member of the public or indeed a politician. Nobody should be above the law.

“The news that ITV documentary ‘Exposure’ has uncovered evidence that names the prime suspects in the Birmingham bombings in 1974 which left 21 dead and over 200 injured, should be seized on by the authorities. This is an opportunity for West Midlands Police to reopen the investigation aided by the PSNI in making suspects available for interview.

“Surely Sinn Fein will be calling for such action as will those many campaigning self styled ‘human rights’ groups – why would they not be standing shoulder to shoulder with the families of those butchered by the IRA on that fateful day in pursuit of the truth about the mass murder and targeting of civilians?

“There is another question to be asked. Does the suspect named in the documentary - Michael Patrick Reilly - as well as another self confessed bomber - Michael Hayes – hold a letter of comfort, also known as On-The-Run (OTR) letters? That is a question I will be asking of the authorities.

“It is also worth noting that if the Government’s proposed legacy bill - which is presently the subject of public consultation - becomes legislation, then bombings like Birmingham will not form part of the Historical Investigations Unit (HIU) caseload as it took place outside Northern Ireland. So far the Ulster Unionist Party is the only one of the five main political parties who sees the very real injustice in such legislation. Now is the time for others to speak up”