Sarah Teather adds pressure to McBride campaign for Justice

3.54.51pm GMT Tue 18th Nov 2003

Teather calls for justice

Lib Dem MP for Brent East, Sarah Teather, has challenged the Government to answer questions relating to the death of Peter McBride, and the re-instatement of the soldiers involved in the incident, which led to his death.

Sarah Teather MP said: "I made a commitment during the by-election to seek a just outcome to this long running and highly upsetting episode. After all, it is hard to understand how the Government can regard people found guilty of behaviour which led to someone's death to be worthy members of the British Armed Forces.

"That's why I want to build on the concerns which have been raised in Parliament since this tragic event occurred and continue to press the Government to ensure this case is resolved. This is not a matter of detail.

"It's a matter of principle - and a central part of that principle is ensuring that relatives such as Peter's sister, Kelly, don't have to face what they perceive as a terrible injustice every day of their lives."

Sarah Teather has also called on the Government to share the findings of the inquiry into the loyalist paramilitary bombings in Monaghan and Dublin in 1974.

She added: "Questions have been raised about what really happened, who was behind it and whether the official response to this crime also involved a miscarriage of justice. People have waited long enough for the answers.

"At a time when we are trying to get to the truth of the troubles, it's right to face up to the facts, even if they are uncomfortable. This is a necessary part of the reconciliation process, and it has to be done before we can lay it to rest and move on."