Sinn Féin MLA Emma Sheerin has branded the decision by the British government to reject a public inquiry into the murder of Sean Brown as ‘callous’.

The Mid Ulster MLA said:

“For over 27 years, Sean Brown’s family have fought with courage and dignity to uncover the full truth of what led to his murder.

“Just this February, we learned for the first time that up to 25 people, including British state agents, could be linked to the murder.  Now the British government is once again trying to enact a ‘nothing to see here’ policy.

“The only way to establish the full extent of what happened to Sean is through an independent statutory public inquiry. This was recommended by the Coroner just six months ago and was also supported by the PSNI, the then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, the Tánaiste Micheál Martin and also the President of the GAA Jarlath Burns.

“This callous decision by the British Secretary of State Hilary Benn flies in the face of his government’s commitment to support victims and families and to work with them on an agreed way forward for legacy.

“The ICRIR is not a credible alternative to a public inquiry, as stated by the Coroner, and does not posses the powers to effectively investigate Sean Brown’s murder.

“All victims deserve access to truth and justice and Sinn Féin will continue to stand with the Brown family in their pursuit of this.”