Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has described today’s civil action verdict as further vindication of the campaign of the families of all those killed by members of the Parachute Regiment in Ballymurphy over 50 years ago.

The Mid Ulster MLA said:

”Today’s civil action verdict is further vindication for the Ballymurphy families as significant damages are to be awarded to them by the British Ministry of Defence.

“These families have had to fight for over 50 years for truth and justice and I commend them for their commitment and determination.

“They have had to overcome decades of obstruction and lies from the state, that is unacceptable and no other family should be forced to endure this.

”However, today will be bittersweet as the British government will continue to attempt to thwart justice by walking away from the Stormont House Agreement and plans to deal effectively with the legacy of the past.

“Boris Johnson’s government should listen to the voices of victims, families, political parties and the Irish government who are all opposed to these plans and want them scrapped.

“They are cruel, heartless and are about giving an amnesty through the back door for British state forces who murdered Irish citizens.

“An agreement for truth, justice and reconciliation was reached in 2014 by the political parties and both governments at Stormont House, it should be implemented in full, in a human rights compliant manner.

“Sinn Féin will continue to stand with the families in their campaigns for truth and justice.”