Commenting, Mr Clarke said:
“This news is extremely welcome and is testament to the dedication of the PSNI and our national security agencies in disrupting dissident republican organisations and keeping our communities free from harm.
The warped desire of these groups to wage terror has not disappeared. However, in recent months the police and MI5 have had significant success in frustrating attacks and taking experienced terrorists off our streets.
It is crucial that this work continues. Whilst no longer severe, the risk remains substantial. Future funding and operational resources must reflect that. There are also ongoing concerns around how well equipped our criminal justice system is to prosecute terrorist offences. We need to see progress on speeding up this process and ensuring sentencing is more robust and in line with other regions of the UK.
Equally, there is a need for nationalist and republican politicians to do more to encourage engagement with the police. Only by changing mindsets and giving young people who are vulnerable to falling prey to these elements a better stake in society can we end the scourge of terrorism and paramilitarism.”
Clarke commends police as terror threat is lowered
22 Mar, 2022
DUP South Antrim MLA and Policing Board representative Trevor Clarke has welcomed the announcement that the terrorist threat in Northern Ireland has been lowered for the first time in 12 years.
