Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Laurence Robertson Excerpts
Wednesday 18th May 2011

(12 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Laurence Robertson Portrait Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con)
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May I also pay tribute to David Cairns on behalf of the Select Committee on Northern Ireland Affairs? I had the honour of working with him on a number of Committees and always found him to be extremely efficient and courteous.

All Members will recall the show of paramilitary strength by men in balaclavas over the Easter period, which brings shame to Northern Ireland. Will the Secretary of State give an update on what is being done to pursue those who obviously have common cause with those who were threatening violence?

Owen Paterson Portrait Mr Paterson
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I thank the Chairman of the Select Committee for his remarks. As he will have seen over the weekend, the police investigation into those shocking scenes at Easter took its course, and in one case charges were laid against Marian McGlinchey. I took the decision to revoke her licence as she was charged under the Terrorism Act 2000. I spoke to the chief constable this morning. The police investigations continue, and I am confident that the PSNI will bring further charges when there is sufficient evidence.