Brits to Legalize Crimes

"Collusion is not and illusion" mural in Ardoyne, North Belfast

Collusion and cover-up has long been British Government policy in Ireland. While policy, the actions of agents were illegal and protected by years of cover up. Successive British governments erected a paper wall between their policy and actions of agents who were responsible for murder and the arming of and directing of unionist paramilitaries. Victims campaigning for truth exposed the cover-ups and tore down the paper wall between the policy makers, agents, and illegal activity. The reaction of the British Government has not been to come clean, but rather has been to introduce the Covert Human Intelligence Sources (criminal conduct) bill in Westminster. This bill provides cover for agents across a range of bodies to continue to engage in illegal actions.

Kate Allen, Director of Amnesty International UK, said:

“This dangerous bill appears to give police and other government agencies legal licence to sign off on serious crimes - including torture and murder - without any apparent limit.

“The use of such disturbing measures is a real fear – we’ve seen it happen in Northern Ireland, when undercover agents in paramilitary organisations were allowed by their handlers to torture and kill innocent civilians so that they could keep their cover intact. 

“It is deeply shocking that such appalling acts could now be declared lawful for all purposes across the UK and overseas. The bill was passed by the Tory party in the House of Commons and now goes to the House of Lords for a vote.

You can listen to Sinn Féin MP John Finucane react to this bill below on BBC 4.