SDLP opposes handing North security to MI5

The SDLP was today due to meet the head of the investigation into the raid on Special Branch offices in a top-security Belfast police station.

The SDLP was today due to meet the head of the investigation into the raid on Special Branch offices in a top-security Castlereagh police station.

Party leader Mark Durkan was to warn former British civil service chief, John Chilcott, that responsibility for intelligence gathering in Northern Ireland should not be passed to MI5, in the wake of the raid on March 17 this year.

‘‘John Chilcott was appointed by the Secretary of State following the Castlereagh break-in to review security issues,’’ Mr Durkan said.

‘‘The SDLP is concerned that he may recommend that intelligence gathering be passed to MI5.

‘‘This would put intelligence beyond the reach of the Policing Board and the Police Ombudsman just as they are breaking through and succeeding in holding Special Branch to account.’’

Mr Durkan said Sinn Féin’s demand for the disbanding of Special Branch was playing into the hands of those who want to undermine accountability.

‘‘If Special Branch is disbanded, then intelligence gathering would undoubtedly be given to MI5 and the British Army - the very people most involved in collusion,’’ he said.

‘‘The SDLP will be putting alternative proposals to the Secretary of State to keep intelligence gathering with the PSNI and build greater accountability.’’

Alex Attwood said the party would be proposing an ‘‘end to all British Army involvement in intelligence gathering’’.

It would also be calling for the PSNI to continue to have the lead role in intelligence gathering and no increase in MI5’s role with greater accountability for the organisation.

‘‘The Secretary of State advised the SDLP a number of months ago that the Chilcott review could recommend which agencies should be responsible for the future collection and management of general security information and intelligence in the north,’’ he said.

‘‘This could lead to more MI5 involvement and less accountability. The SDLP will fight any such proposals tooth and nail.’’