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On the Run review 'to be rigorous' says Lady Hallett On the Run scheme devoid of morality says Nigel Dodds
(34 minutes later)
A judge investigating a scheme that led to the issuing of letters to more than 190 Irish republican On the Runs has said the review will be "rigorous". The scheme that led to more than 190 letters being issued to Irish republican On the Runs "was devoid of morality", MPs have been told.
The DUP's Nigel Dodds told a Commons debate the scheme was a "dirty deal, done behind the backs of everyone".
MPs are debating the background to and implications of the judgment in the case of John Downey.
He was accused of the 1982 IRA murder of four soldiers in the Hyde Park bombing.
Last month a a judge at the Old Bailey in London halted the trial because Mr Downey had a letter from the Northern Ireland Office assuring him that he was not wanted by the police.
This was despite the fact that police in Northern Ireland knew he was still being sought by Scotland Yard.
Mr Dodds said that as the scheme related to Mr Downey, it had amounted to an amnesty.
He said "the anger in the community, not just unionists, is real".
The North Belfast MP also said the idea that his party and other unionists knew about the scheme "doesn't wash" and said that had it not been for the Downey, case politicians would still be "in the dark" about it.
He said the scheme had been "characterised by years of deceit".
'Rigorous and impartial'
Meanwhile, a judge investigating the scheme has said her review would be "rigorous".
The independent review led by Lady Justice Heather Hallett was ordered by Prime Minister David Cameron.The independent review led by Lady Justice Heather Hallett was ordered by Prime Minister David Cameron.
A political storm over the issue erupted after the trial of Donegal man John Downey collapsed at the Old Bailey last month.
Lady Hallett said the review would be "independent and impartial".Lady Hallett said the review would be "independent and impartial".
Mr Downey's case collapsed because he was mistakenly told in a letter in 2007 that he was no longer a wanted man, despite the fact that police in Northern Ireland knew he was still being sought by Scotland Yard. She said her review would:
He was suspected of the 1982 IRA murder of four soldiers in the Hyde Park bombing.
Lady Hallett said her review would:
"I intend to conduct a full and rigorous examination of the administrative scheme from its inception to date," Lady Hallett added."I intend to conduct a full and rigorous examination of the administrative scheme from its inception to date," Lady Hallett added.
"I have been promised full co-operation and access to all relevant material by the relevant government departments and agencies."I have been promised full co-operation and access to all relevant material by the relevant government departments and agencies.
"No individual or organisation is on trial. However, I am seeking to establish the facts and, where necessary, accountability in relation to what happened, ie, how the scheme evolved and who was or is responsible for its operation."No individual or organisation is on trial. However, I am seeking to establish the facts and, where necessary, accountability in relation to what happened, ie, how the scheme evolved and who was or is responsible for its operation.
"As well as the independent analysis of the databases, I intend to sample a number of case files during my examination of police and prosecution records, to ascertain whether or not any other recipients of the letters have been told they are not of interest to the police when in fact they are.""As well as the independent analysis of the databases, I intend to sample a number of case files during my examination of police and prosecution records, to ascertain whether or not any other recipients of the letters have been told they are not of interest to the police when in fact they are."
On the Runs are escaped prisoners or those who feared arrest for paramilitary crimes connected to the Northern Ireland Troubles committed in the UK before the Good Friday Agreement.On the Runs are escaped prisoners or those who feared arrest for paramilitary crimes connected to the Northern Ireland Troubles committed in the UK before the Good Friday Agreement.
The police are also reviewing the process that led to the issuing of the letters. The police in Northern Ireland are also reviewing the process that led to the issuing of the letters.
The letters told the individuals concerned that they were not wanted for questioning or prosecution for any paramilitary offences committed in the UK before the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement.The letters told the individuals concerned that they were not wanted for questioning or prosecution for any paramilitary offences committed in the UK before the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement.
A team of 16 detectives has been assigned to the review. They will investigate the circumstances of each of those who received a letter.A team of 16 detectives has been assigned to the review. They will investigate the circumstances of each of those who received a letter.