Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey has said this week’s Supreme Court ruling in the case of Paul ‘Topper’ Thompson who was murdered in 1994 effectively gives the British Secretary of State a veto over inquests and any potential new investigations for families.
The West Belfast MP said, “Today’s ruling is extremely disappointing and indeed concerning for the Thompson family and all families campaigning for truth and justice.
“The Thompson family have been campaigning over three decades showing incredible strength in the face of obstruction by the British state and their ongoing refusal to grant even a basic level of justice to victims’ families.
“This case is yet another example of the contempt shown by the British government towards families seeking answers about what happened to their loved ones.
“Today’s ruling effectively hands full power to the British Secretary of State, giving them a veto over inquests and any potential new investigations for families. This is shameful.
“I will stand with the Thompson family as they continue their brave fight to uncover the truth about Paul’s murder.
“We need a legacy process that commands the confidence of victims’ families and is rooted in the principles agreed at Stormont House — not one based on cover-up and denial.”
