Kingsmills victims deserve justice - Bunting

Joanne Bunting said:

“The Kingsmills massacre is one of the most horrific and blatantly sectarian atrocities in our history. The brutal murder of ten innocent Protestant workmen by the IRA on 5 January 1976 remains a painful reminder of the sectarian hatred that fuelled terrorism and robbed so many of their futures. That some suggest there was no alternative to such sectarian murder is repugnant.

It is profoundly unjust that the families affected have waited so long for answers. The initial complaint to the Ombudsman was made over a decade ago, and six months have passed since the conclusion of the inquest, which only raised more questions. Yet the Ombudsman’s office continues to withhold the report, denying the families full disclosure as they seek the truth.

Justice delayed must not become justice denied. The DUP believes the door to justice must never close on innocent victims. We stand firmly with Alan Black, the McConville family, and all innocent victims who deserve truth and justice. The Secretary of State also has a role here: recent government decisions on legacy issues have perpetuated a hierarchy, suggesting some murders are more deserving of investigation than others. Kingsmills offers the Government a chance to address this imbalance and show genuine support for victims seeking truth and transparency.

Alan Black, the sole survivor of that horrific attack, has shown remarkable courage and resilience. He has carried the immense trauma of that day and shown extraordinary determination in his pursuit of justice—not only for himself but for the families of those who were cruelly taken. We want to ensure Alan, who is 82 and in ill health, gets the answers he so deserves, in his lifetime. The Office of the Police Ombudsman must release the report without further delay.”