British Government must face its responsibilities on past and collusion, says Martin McGuinness

THE British Government must face up to its responsibilities on dealing with the legacy of the past, Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness said after meeting relatives of victims of British state violence and collusion at Stormont yesterday.

The Relatives for Justice group included families of more than 70 victims of state violence and collusion from across the North. 

They met the deputy First Minister following revelations contained in a BBC Panorama programme on 26 May highlighting the extent of British state collusion with loyalists and efforts to cover up the role British agents in hundreds of killings. 

The families at the meeting included relatives of those killed at Loughinisland, the Seán Graham bookmakers massacre, the McGurk's Bar bombing, and other instances of collusion. 

Speaking after the meeting, Martin McGuinness said:

“I was honoured to meet a large group of relatives of victims of British state violence and collusion with loyalist death squads at the Assembly today. 

“The courage and determination they have shown in their long campaign for truth and justice for their loved ones is an inspiration to us all. 

“For decades they have challenged the British state over the role of its armed forces and agents in the murder of their loved ones. 

“A key part of the Stormont House Agreement was how we deal with the legacy of the past and structures were agreed to give all victims access to truth recovery.”

Martin McGuinness also said the British Government must provide funding to deal with the legacy of the conflict in the North. 

“The British Government has a responsibility to fund those structures and mechanisms required to allow victims and their relatives to access truth and justice. 

“They cannot be allowed to shirk that responsibility and we will continue to support victims so they can get the truth they deserve.”