North’s human rights body to be given new powers

The British government has announced plans to give new powers to the North's Human Rights Commission.

The proposed new powers will give the body the right of access to prisons and the right to compel witnesses to give evidence

Chief Commissioner Monica McWilliams has welcomed the move, but said the commission had still not secured all the powers that it needed.

The Ulster Unionist Party has criticised the development, accusing the British government of making further concessions to republicans.