PM Accused Of "Interference" In Northern Ireland Investigations

The Prime Minister has come under attack from a former Northern Ireland Justice Minister for suggesting the system for investigating deaths during 30 years of violence was unfair.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Theresa May alleged some terrorists were not being pursued.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman has since added:

"The Prime Minister was clear that she believes the current arrangements are unfair and that the current situation is disproportionate, if you look at the fact that 90% of the killings which took place during The Troubles involved terrorists."

David Ford, who was Justice Minister in the devolved assembly from 2010 to 2016, said complaints about an unfair justice system are utterly wrong and come very close to political interference.

"Surely an ex-Home Secretary should know police and prosecutors follow the evidence regardless."

According to figures previously obtained by the BBC, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is investigating more than 1,000 deaths not previously fully reviewed.

Investigations into killings by the army account for about 30%, with the remainder concerning republicans or loyalists.

The row comes amid calls by some MPs for a statute of limitations which would prevent anyone from facing trial for offences that happened during the conflict, including former servicemen and paramilitaries.

The concept of an amnesty has also gained traction among a number of Westminster MPs, who claim recent prosecutions of former British soldiers are tantamount to a "witch-hunt". 

Prosecutors and police in Northern Ireland insist allegations of bias do not stand up to scrutiny, with a breakdown of figures showing no disproportionate focus on former members of the security forces.