Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Northern Ireland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Rosindell Excerpts
Wednesday 16th July 2014

(10 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Theresa Villiers Portrait Mrs Villiers
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I agree. I believe that what is happening in Northern Ireland illustrates that it is possible to enable loyal order parades to take place peacefully and without problems, often in areas with a predominantly nationalist population. There are many examples of that, but Derry/Londonderry is frequently cited. It is possible to enable people to express their culture in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding, and I recognise that that is an important goal in north Belfast.

Andrew Rosindell Portrait Andrew Rosindell (Romford) (Con)
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13. In the light of the recent incident involving two petrol bombs being thrown at Willowfield police station in east Belfast, what steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure local police officers are given sufficient safeguards against extremist acts?

Theresa Villiers Portrait Mrs Villiers
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Of course that was a disgraceful attack, as was the shooting attack on a G4S vehicle involved in tagging offenders. PSNI officers subject themselves to risk every day. The terrorist threat continues to be lethal and is predominantly focused on police and prison officers. That is one of the reasons why this Government acted to provide an additional £231 million of funding to help the PSNI fight terrorists and maintain the safety of its officers.