Statement

WEIR PRESSES GOGGINS ON PERSONAL PROTECTION WEAPONS

Posted on: April 23, 2009

"At a time when both Government and the leadership of the PSNI have indicated that the threat from dissident Republicans remains at the highest level for many yeras, it is important both that a consistent approach is taken to the terrorist threat and that the maximum protection is given to those who are vulnerable to attack. To that end, today's meeting between a DUP delegtation, including myself, and the Security Minister, was both timely and vital. In recent months, I have been concerned at the difficulty many people have had, particularly retired members of the Security Forces have had in renewing their licences for PPWs, both in North Down and further afield. Government and the PSNI has got to be logical and consistent. They cannot on the one hand make additional resources to fight dissident republicans, and also highten security alerts while leaving potential targets more vulnerable. This has obviously left many in our society deeply concerned and feraful.
 
This is not the time to be depriving people of PPWs. It is clear that dissident repubilcans regard virtually anyone in our society as a target, but in partcular former soldiers and police officers. I believe that much of the problem centres around the interpretation of the need for a specific threat. Surely, at this time of hightened danger common sense must kick in. I welcome the review which is going on within the PSNI on this policy, and hope that this leads to a change of approach by the PSNI. I welcome the positive engagement that we had today with Minister Goggins, and wait to see if this leads to positive concrete changes.