Ulster Unionist Party Leader Steve Aiken OBE MLA, has welcomed the Government’s apology to the Ballymurphy families.
Steve Aiken OBE MLA said:
“I welcome the Secretary of State`s statement this morning in the House of Commons stating that the UK Government is truly sorry for the events in Ballymurphy in 1971 and indicating that the Prime Minister is writing personally to the Ballymurphy families. I hope that those words bring some comfort to the families.
“Acknowledging hurt is important not only to victims and survivors but to reconciliation and dealing with the toxic legacy of our Troubles. All who did harm must acknowledge the impact of their deeds.
“We have been consistent in our support for the rule of law and accept the coroner`s ruling regarding the Ballymurphy deaths and we hope it brings some comfort to the families.
“We think of them and the many hundreds of families across Northern Ireland who lost loved ones. 180 people lost their lives in Troubles related deaths in 1971 and almost 500 people the following year. This was carnage on our streets which is utterly unimaginable in 2021.
“In total, over 3,500 people were killed during the Troubles, the vast majority murdered by terrorists. No one needed to die. We think of all innocent victims at this time, including civilians, policemen and soldiers who were caught up in the horror of the Troubles. We must all make sure that we never return to those days.”