A loyalist ceasefire is to be recognised, the Northern Ireland Secretary announced in the House of Commons today.
The Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) and Red Hand Commando (RHC) will be de-specifed, with any prisoners eligible for early release, Shaun Woodward added.
The Government ceased to recognise the UVF’s peace commitment in September 2005 following a feud.
But Mr Woodward said that under he had reviewed the status of paramilitary organisations and laid an order before Parliament seeking approval to de-specify the UVF and RHC.
“Their statement of last May committed the organisation to assuming a non-military civilianised role. Government undertook to review the position at that time and we have now taken a careful look at the organisation’s position."
The early release provisions apply to anybody convicted before the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which paved the way for political power-sharing in Northern Ireland.
The UVF said last May that it was putting its arms beyond reach - but not handing them over.
Leader of the Progressive Unionist Party Dawn Purvis welcomed today’s announcement. “This is further evidence of Northern Ireland’s strides towards normality.”
Mr Woodward also told the House of Commons this morning that dissident republican group Óglaigh na hÉireann has been proscribed after being found to be involved in terrorism.
PA