Sinn Féin and the SDLP are “playing fast and loose with the security of people in Northern Ireland”, by continuing to block the National Crime Agency (NCA) from operating here, according to NI Conservatives’ Euro candidate, Mark Brotherston.
“The NCA was launched last October to tackle serious organised crime, but the SDLP and Sinn Féin misused the ‘petition of concern’ mechanism, which triggers a cross community vote at Stormont, to block its introduction in Northern Ireland”, Mark explained. “Their reckless actions leave people here vulnerable to terrorism, people trafficking, child-abuse, drug-smuggling and a range of other serious crimes. The NCA is also a vital tool against so-called paramilitary groups, which are actually just criminal organisations. Although the agency cannot operate properly in Northern Ireland its apparent involvement in serving the arrest warrant for a leading dissident republican, over the Easter period, emphasises how important it can be to this part of the UK.”
“Sinn Féin and the SDLP should be ashamed of playing politics with people’s safety. Northern Ireland deserves the best protection the UK can offer, particularly because organised crime has been rife in some areas of our province. The PSNI has made it clear that the NCA could be a vital partner, combatting some of the most serious offences it is asked to confront. This should be nothing to do with the ‘them vs. us’ politics practised by the current parties at Stormont. It is everything to do with safety and security. Parties who oppose the NCA need to set aside their selfish concerns and concentrate on what is best for everyone in Northern Ireland.”