The Government is “very seriously” considering demands to reopen a landmark case against Britain over the alleged use of torture in the North during the Troubles.

Margaret Thatcher was warned the British Army suspected the Ulster Defence Regiment was heavily infiltrated by Protestant extremists in the North four years before she became UK Prime Minister, it was claimed today.

Former Northern Secretary Merlyn Rees has died in hospital in London at the age of 85.

Efforts to secure an end to the IRA’s campaign ultimately proved fruitless, writes Ryle Dwyer.