State papers 1987: ‘Prosecutions would go to the top’ over shoot-to-kill policy

Margaret Thatcher’s chief legal adviser believed prosecutions would “go as high as chief superintendent” within the RUC over an alleged shoot-to-kill policy in Northern Ireland, newly released secret files reveal.

Michael Havers, then attorney general, told SDLP leader John Hume during a lunch in April 1987 that there would be “shocks felt throughout the force” over the so-called Stalker affair.

During the meal, arranged by an Irish diplomat who reported back to the Taoiseach’s office about it, Mr Havers was “quite forthcoming” on what was one of the most controversial episodes of the Troubles.