British spies foiling 'many' terror plots in North, MPs told

British spies have foiled “many” terrorist plots in the North in the past six months, the British government said today.

But Northern Ireland Secretary Owen Paterson said there were still 13 attacks against “national security targets” in the North since August, including the attempted murder of a soldier.

He told MPs: “While there were fewer attacks in 2011 than in 2010, the intent and capability of dissident republican terrorists remains high.

“At present, the threat appears to have stabilised as a result of the activities of security and law-enforcement agencies.”

He said an attack in the North was “highly likely” with the threat rated at severe – one below the maximum.

In contrast, the prospect of an atrocity on mainland UK was strong, with experts placing the threat level in Britain as “substantial”.

Giving his six-monthly update to the British Parliament in a written statement, Mr Paterson said the 13 attacks included those on police officers as well as small bombs used to target a bank in Newry and explosives aimed at the City of Culture offices in Derry.

He added: “The most recent attacks have included the attempted murder of a soldier on January 5, a pipe bomb recovered at the scene of a fire in west Belfast on January 17 and two pipe bombs set off on January 19.

“Many other potential attacks have been prevented by the actions of security and law enforcement agencies on both sides of the border.”

The soldier spotted a bomb underneath the driver’s seat inside his UK-registered Vauxhall Astra.

Mr Paterson said the Real IRA, which was responsible for the Omagh bombing in August 1998 which killed 29 people, including a woman pregnant with twins, the Continuity IRA and Oglaigh na h’Eireann, remained the most active terrorist groups in the province.

He added: “Both loyalist and republican groups continue to be involved in a wide range of acts of criminality.

“Both also continue to carry out paramilitary-style assaults and shootings.”

But the Conservative Cabinet Minister said the loyalist Ulster Defence Association and Ulster Volunteer Force “remain committed to their ceasefires”.

He told MPs: “Tackling terrorism in all its forms and within the rule of law remains the highest priority for this Government.

“We will continue to work as closely as possible with our strategic partners in the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government to counter this threat.”