British concessions over Northern Ireland police

The British minister responsible for Northern Ireland, Peter Mandelson, has announced a series of concessions designed to reassure the Catholic community about policing in the province.

The police force there is currently ninety per cent Protestant, and reform is seen as crucial to the success of the peace process.

Mr Mandelson announced the appointment of an independent commissioner to oversee the force, and a new code of ethics for officers.

And he stuck to the government's position on one of the most contentious issues, that the name, the Royal Ulster Constabulary, should be changed to the Police Force of Northern Ireland -- a move strongly opposed by many Protestants.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service