SDLP alarmed at UDA 'ceasefire' recognition

The SDLP has requested an urgent meeting with the British government to discuss the UDA’s latest ceasefire.

The British government decided last month to recognise the ceasefire, despite the fact that independent monitors have reported ongoing UDA involvement in paramilitarism and criminality.

Yesterday, a crowd of UDA men and supporters disrupted proceedings at Belfast Magistrates Court as five men were charged with conspiring to kidnap and rob a bank official.

SDLP spokesman Alban McGuinness said today his party colleagues in Larne and Coleraine had also been the victims of UDA attacks in the weeks despite the group's claim its latest ceasefire was genuine.

“People are generally very, very sceptical of the UDA and its alleged ceasefire,” he said. “The SDLP, in particular, is very sceptical.”