Criminal justice plans passed without debate

The Royal crest was erected at the new Laganside court

MPs have backed government plans to overhaul the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland despite claims that there was not time for a proper debate.

Local politicians had expected to discuss controversial plans surrounding the use of Royal crests in courtrooms and the flying of the Union Flag in the House of Commons on Monday.

However, the debate did not take place and the bill now goes to the House of Lords.

The DUP leader, Ian Paisley, said the lack of time was a "tragedy" and it was wrong that representatives from the province could not discuss these matters.

Seamus Mallon: "This does little to engender faith in the peace process"

Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid said he knew some MPs wanted a longer debate, but thought the matters had been raised in great depth elsewhere in parliament.

There was anger from Ulster Unionist Party MPs also.

The South Antrim member, David Burnside, said the bill still could not be supported.

Former Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon was also annoyed at the lack of debate.

The SDLP Newry and Armagh MP said the government's u-turn over flags and crests had done little to engender faith in the peace process.

The bill, which amongst other matters introduces a new prosecution service and a new oath of allegiance, was given a third reading.

Unionist concerns

It should become law by the summer.

The SDLP claims the move to retain the Royal crest in court buildings is divisive and will undermine confidence in the legal system.

Crests inside a number of courtrooms were to be removed under new criminal justice legislation, but the government said some should be retained for architectural reasons.

The move has been seen as an attempt to allay unionist concerns.

The Royal coat of arms was erected on the exterior wall of the new Laganside courts complex in Belfast at the weekend.

The Union Flag may now also be flown outside courthouses on designated days under the amendments.

The SDLP accused the government of watering down the criminal justice review on symbols, which it said was "contrary to the Good Friday Agreement".

'Cavalier approach'

However, the Ulster Unionist Party said the changes should never have been made in the first place.

Party leader David Trimble denied the suggestion that the move flew in the face of the Good Friday Agreement.

Daivd Trimble: Denied the move was contrary to the Agreement

However, Sinn Fein has accused the government of taking a "cavalier approach" to consultation over the Criminal Justice Review.

Sinn Fein assembly member Gerry Kelly said the review fell "well short" of what was required.

The plans have always caused great difficulties for unionists and conservatives who claimed the removal of crests and the withdrawal of the Union Flag was an attack on Britishness.

Crests in courtrooms, which are regarded as having architectural merit will remain in place and new courts being built will also have an outside crest.

The Criminal Justice Review, set up as part of the Good Friday Agreement, had recommended more than 300 changes to the way the law operates in Northern Ireland.

It included a plan to reduce the role of the Crown in the justice system.

A review group had recommended no change to the Royal coat of arms outside court buildings, but that there should be no such symbols inside courtrooms.