Campbell – Republican hypocrisy on Braverman

Mr Campbell said,

“Sinn Fein and the SDLP have described Suella Braverman’s article as ‘extraordinary’ and ‘ignorant’ but in truth allegations of two-tier policing should come as no surprise to republicans or nationalists.

During the pandemic, the Police Ombudsman found that the Police had treated certain protests differently and that it was not only unfair but discriminatory. Indeed as a Party, we made the then Chief Constable aware of at least 10 incidents, including funeral processions and shows of strength, where republicans benefited from a soft touch approach by police.

That list included the funeral of Bobby Storey, which brought thousands of people onto the streets despite Covid guidelines being in place. The Public Prosecution Service concluded that engagement between police and organisers of that political event gave senior members of Sinn Fein protection against prosecution.

Only weeks ago, the High Court found that decisions by the Police to suspend and reposition two of its junior officers were ‘‘materially influenced by the threat (real or perceived)’’ that Sinn Fein would leave the Policing Board.

This demonstrates the rank hypocrisy of Sinn Fein. Their howls against Braverman ring hollow.

There is no room for political interference. The concerns of every tradition and community must carry equal weight and the rule of law must ultimately be applied without fear or favour.”