Hain attacks SF over on-the-run bill

Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain lambasted Sinn Féin today after the dramatic collapse of a controversial Bill for dealing with people who carried out terrorist offences during the Troubles.

The British government withdrew the Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill from the House of Commons yesterday after Sinn Féin urged Republicans not to take advantage of it when it became clear that members of the British Army and police involved in murders would also have qualified.