PM rejects RUC reform delay

Sweeping policing reforms are the focus of intense debate

Prime Minister Tony Blair has rejected a call from an Ulster Unionist MP for a moratorium on policing reforms in Northern Ireland.

Mr Blair told the House of Commons: "It's important that these (Patten) reforms proceed."

His comment came in response to a question from Ulster Unionist MP Jeffrey Donaldson.

He asked Mr Blair to join him in congratulating the RUC for intercepting a bomb in west Belfast, one he said which was "destined for the city of London".

Tony Blair: Important that reforms proceed

"Will he now join with us in calling for a moratorium on changes to policing until peace is assured in Northern Ireland?," Mr Donaldson asked.

Mr Blair replied: "Of course, the work of the RUC has, as ever, been absolutely invaluable in stopping acts of terrorism.

"In relation to the Patten reforms, we think it is important that those reforms proceed.

"We think it is important at the same time that all those various aspects of the agreement the parties have entered into are implemented and implemented properly," he added.

Meanwhile, Ulster Unionist peers are due to table an amendment to the controversial Police Bill freezing reforms until "peace is assured" in Northern Ireland.

The amendment is to be tabled during the third and final reading of the controversial Bill which began in the House of Lords on Wednesday evening.

Former party leader Lord Molyneaux, current chairman Lord Rogan and Lord Laird are behind the amendment which is aimed at increasing pressure on the IRA to "re-engage significantly" with the body which is overseeing weapons decommissioning.

UUP leader David Trimble called for the moratorium on Monday, citing the weekend discovery of a "barrack buster" mortar device in County Fermanagh.

We saw at Remembrance weekend near Enniskillen a large bomb being found and we are continually reminded that there is a security threat

Lord Laird
Ulster Unionist peer

Mr Trimble said the moratorium should continue until the secretary of state declared there was no longer any threat of terrorist activity.

Ulster Unionist peer Lord Laird also believes the continuing terrorist threat is sufficient to warrant a freeze on policing reforms.

"We saw at the weekend - Remembrance weekend - near Enniskillen a large bomb being found and we are continually reminded that there is a security threat," he said.

"It is simply common sense not to dismantle parts of your police force while there is still a terrorist threat."