SDLP delegation for London talks with Blair

The SDLP will today press British Prime Minister Tony Blair on his plans for moving the North's peace process forward amid concerns…

The SDLP will today press British Prime Minister Tony Blair on his plans for moving the North's peace process forward amid concerns he may water down the Belfast Agreement.

SDLP leader Mark Durkan will lead a five-strong delegation to Downing Street to meet the Mr Blair, who is facing demands from Sinn Féin and the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionists.

An SDLP spokesman said: "We will be urging Tony Blair to stand strong for the agreement and not to dilute it for the DUP. The more concessions he gives the DUP, the more they'll want and the longer we'll all be stuck in suspension."

The DUP has also submitted a 64-page dossier to Downing Street outlining confidence-building measures it will need if it is to begin contemplating going into government with Sinn Féin in the future.

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Democratic Unionist MP the Rev William McCrea accused the SDLP of hypocrisy for urging Tony Blair not to indulge his party while at the same time pushing for its all- Ireland agenda.

"Why should the SDLP get what they want on North-South bodies whilst unionists get nothing on parades, culture, policing, public appointments and economic development in unionist areas?" the South Antrim MP said.

"It is clear that the SDLP are content with concessions such as the early release of terrorist prisoners, an amnesty for on-the-runs, the destruction of the RUC and the RIR and terrorist representatives in government, but it can't abide the thought of unionists being treated fairly and equitably.

"The SDLP will have no choice but to wake up and realise that the DUP intends to fight for the rights of those we represent."