Reid confirms talks with loyalist paramilitaries

Northern Secretary John Reid has confirmed that he has held face-to-face talks with loyalist paramilitaries, despite declaring last year that the British government no longer recognises the UDA and LVF ceasefires.

Dr Reid said he has met the so-called Loyalist Commission, which includes the UDA, the UVF and the Red Hand Commandos, in an attempt to reduce sectarian loyalist violence.

The Loyalist Commission was established last year to ease tensions among feuding loyalist groups. Protestant church and community leaders, as well as members of the Ulster Unionist Party, also sit on the body.