The Northern Ireland Office Security Minister, Mr Adam Ingram, has defended the controversial Police Bill, due before the British House of Lords today. While the legislation would not please everybody, he said, it would pave the way for an effective police service in Northern Ireland.
Addressing around 150 delegates at the Northern Ireland Police Authority's ninth annual Community and Police Liaison Committees' (CPLCs) conference in Newcastle, Co Down, Mr Ingram paid tribute to the RUC's willingness to change and the way it had welcomed many of the recommendations made by Chris Patten. "We knew when we published the Bill it would need to be fine-tuned. We knew we would not please everyone - though I have to say the most consistently positive voice throughout, outside government, has been that of the police service. They have welcomed the opportunity presented by Patten.
"They want to police peace and be welcomed and supported in all parts of the community. The report undoubtedly hurt them in some aspects but I want to pay tribute to the way the service has sought to rise above this and to move forward." said the security minister. Also speaking at the conference, RUC Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan praised the contribution made by CPLCs to reducing crime since they were first set up 10 years ago and thanked members for their commitment to working with the police during "difficult times".