Patience urged over inquiry delay

Soldiers shot 13 people dead in Derry on Bloody Sunday

Secretary of State Shaun Woodward has defended the length of time Lord Saville is taking to publish his report into Bloody Sunday.

Earlier this month, it emerged that the final report into the 1972 shootings in Londonderry would not be published for at least another year.

The inquiry was set up in 1998 and has so far cost £185m.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Woodward said he shared MPs' concerns but urged people to be patient.

"I'm afraid to report to the house that I too share the disappointment of honourable members that Lord Saville has written to me requesting a further year before he is able to publish," Mr Woodward said.

"But I invite them to recognise that the greatest disappointment of all is felt by the families who have been through huge distress in the course of the inquiry but who like all of us seek for the truth to be revealed about that tragic day in 1972."

Paratroopers shot 27 civilians on Bloody Sunday, 13 died that day and a 14th victim some time later.

The tribunal, set up in 1998, sat for 433 days in Derry and London.

More than 920 witnesses were heard including the prime minister in 1972, Sir Edward Heath, 33 policemen, 245 soldiers, 35 IRA or former paramilitary members and seven priests.

The inquiry team interviewed and received written statements from about 2,500 Bloody Sunday marchers, witnesses and members of the security forces.