'Organised crime next big threat to Ulster'

MPs pledged today to uncover organised crime levels threatening to ruin Northern Ireland’s economic advancement.

As a Westminster Committee announced an inquiry into a multi-million pound industry run by more than 200 gangs, one member insisted no other UK region faced the same menace.

Labour MP Gordon Banks said: “With the reduction in paramilitary operations the worry is that these people are moving more into organised crime.

“Replacing one type of lawlessness with another might make society that little bit safer as there is a shift away from the traditional ‘Troubles’, but it still doesn’t become a normalised society.

“The economy is being damaged by every gallon of illegal fuel or cigarette packet sold.

“People going about their daily business are being jeopardised by this. It must be pressurising jobs, investment and profit.”

In its first major probe since being reformed after the British general election, the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee confirmed it will scrutinise the nature and impact of organised crime.

The effectiveness of attempts by the British government and other agencies to counter the threat posed by racketeers, smugglers, drug dealers and counterfeiters will also be assessed.

Police and Customs chiefs, the Assets Recovery Agency, Inland Revenue and business leaders are all expected to give their analysis.

After oral evidence sessions a report will be published some time next year.

Mr Banks, the MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, insisted the need for action is urgent.

“There is a much bigger level of problem in Northern Ireland than the rest of the UK,” he said.

"I come from a business background and have thought long and hard about the difficulties some businesses in Northern Ireland face from blackmail, protection and intimidation.

“It must be so difficult for some small businesses not to get sucked into that.”

Another committee member, Rosie Cooper, said organised crime was the biggest challenge facing Northern Ireland.

“Working with the police and various organisations we hope we can break that hold and the lives of people in Northern Ireland will improve immeasurably,” she said.

“It’s the next big nut to crack.”