Ulster Unionist MLA Alan Chambers has called on Mark Thompson of ‘Relatives for Justice’ to apologise to the policing family for false comments which he made about the RUC in a recent radio programme.

Alan Chambers MLA said:

“One of the most concerning aspects of the ongoing debate regarding legacy is the frequency with which those who seek to perpetuate an anti-State agenda resort to falsehoods and the rewriting of history by weaponising the past.

“A key feature of this is the constant attempt to smear the men and women who served in uniform during the Troubles, particularly the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC. The sustained attempts to undermine the reputation of everyone who served with distinction and courage, and who bravely stood between the terrorists and the terrorised, must be refuted on every occasion.

“I congratulate the Chair of the RUC George Cross Foundation, former ACC Stephen White, for exposing recent public remarks made on radio by Mark Thompson the CEO of the self proclaimed ‘Relatives for Justice’ as being totally untrue. All too often such statements are allowed to go unchallenged, even when made in front of radio presenters who pride themselves on being razor sharp interviewers.

“Mr Thompson cited the case of an RUC officer who murdered three people in a Sinn Fein office on the Falls Road in February 1992 and then committed suicide. He alleged that this officer was still being supported by the RUC George Cross Foundation. He further alleged that the name of the officer was included in a roll of honour. Mr White expressed the anger of the policing family at these scurrilous and false allegations and factually exposed them for what they are.

“This is just one more attempt, in a very long list, to try and damage the reputation of every police officer who served the entire community with courage and distinction, with no regard for their own safety as they selflessly worked to preserve the peace.

“Sadly, it comes as no surprise that Mr Thompson was "unavailable" when approached by the press to explain his unfounded remarks.

“This is yet another apology which is owed to the wider policing family, but nobody will be holding their breath awaiting it. Past experience tells us that those who try to rewrite the history of the Troubles don’t do apologies. However, there is a first time for everything, and perhaps Mr Thompson will prove me wrong and apologise to the policing family for his false comments. It would be most welcome.”