Government dismisses UVF demand for members to be issued with personal protection guns
Government negotiators have dismissed UVF demands for senior members to be issued with personal protection weapons.
The outlandish request is believed to have been dismissed out of hand as a condition for the terror group to finally transition away from paramilitary activity.
The UVF have been locked in discussions with government negotiators for a number of years and are understood to be nearing a position where they can announce their disbandment.
Early obstacles included demands for immunity from prosecution for historical conflict-related crimes.
The contentious Legacy Act has virtually removed any likelihood of prosecution, even should the Labour government honour its manifesto commitment and repeal the act.
Twenty-seven years after the Good Friday Agreement secured peace, there is no legal framework for decommissioning, leaving negotiators tying to find a verifiable way to show weapons have been put beyond use.
Armed UVF men on the streets of Belfast during the Troubles
There is an acceptance that any form of decommissioning will only be windrow dressing in any deal to stand down – access to weaponry doesn't present any difficulty for criminal gangs.
The streets are awash with guns, the sticking point for the UVF are weapons that might have a forensic history linking them to past crimes.
But it's is their demand for leading paramilitary figures to be allowed to carry personal protection weapons (PPW) that has raised eyebrows.
In Northern Ireland, individuals can legally possess firearms, including handguns, for personal protection under specific circumstances.
The final arbiter is the PSNI who grant firearms certificates for personal protection if there's a real and immediate risk to the applicant's life.
Police must be happy a gun is deemed a necessary and proportionate measure.
Applicants must demonstrate a 'good reason' and undergo thorough checks, including medical and law enforcement records.
The latter would appear to rule out anyone with a paramilitary history. PPWs were commonplace during the conflict, with public figures including politicians, members of the judiciary and members of the civil service being given a handgun.
There has been precedents with a number of leading paramilitary figures allowed to carry PPWs.
There has been speculation that the UVF was ready to make a declaration as early as this autumn. Optimism was dampened when it emerged they had demanded to be allowed to retain an armed force of around 240 men, in their words, to protect the upper echelons of the terror group.
The Sunday World understands they have now modified their demands and scaled them down to a call for a small number of PPWs to be issued which would mean UVF paramilitaries legally carrying guns.
Security sources have told us the proposal is a non-starter.
'It would be unthinkable to strike a deal that would legally put guns in the hands of terrorists, they're gong to have to find a way round that,' one said.
Loyalist sources have told us there is anger at the top of the UVF that bargaining positions are finding their way into the public domain.
John 'Bunter' Graham
One source, who has intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the UVF, said only a handful of people from Chief of Staff John 'Bunter' Graham down would have any knowledge of the content of discussions with British government representatives.
As previously reported, it is known that a sizeable number of UVF members and sections of the UDA have been negotiating a pathway out of the paramilitaries, but do not represent the entirety of the organisations.
They are believed to be close to agreeing the terms of their transition but their priority in discussions has been to maintain the flow of public money into community-based jobs, many of which are occupied by paramilitary members, and immunity from prosecution for historical crimes.
In February it was announced that the British and Irish governments were to jointly appoint 'an Independent Expert to carry out a short scoping and engagement exercise to assess whether there is merit in, and support for, a formal process of engagement to bring about paramilitary group transition to disbandment. This will include examining what could be in scope of such a formal process'.
Lord Alderdice, the former Alliance Party leader who was chair of the Independent Monitoring Commission, said talks about loyalist transition should stop.
'A halt should be called, and you can't call a halt now sooner than today,' he said. 'There comes a point when you have to say no, this hasn't been delivered.'
The Sunday World understands a sticking point in discussions are calls for the UVF to be de-proscribed so that the name can continue to be used legally at memorial and other events.
And also in the naming of veterans clubs, the complication being that those who will continue to use the UVF name as a cover for their involvement in drugs and other crimes.
UVF gunman
Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 21st
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sunday World
5 hours ago
- Sunday World
Notorious terror group pledge ‘partial' move away from paramilitary activity
If allowed they will leave behind a younger membership which has no intention of ditching their UDA identity. The renegade group has indicated that a significant element of their membership is ready to make a move towards standing down but have warned they have no intention of disappearing. The Sunday World understands a significant number of SEA members – overwhelmingly veterans with more than 10 and in some cases 20 years' 'active service'' – are keen to walk away. If allowed they will leave behind a younger membership which has no intention of ditching their UDA identity. The organisation has indicated it is no longer recruiting and that it no longer takes membership dues. But that is far as they are willing to go. Factions within SEA are already taking advantage of the situation and have set themselves up as autonomous groups. According to well-placed sources, one such group is led by convicted drug offender, killer driver and murder suspect Colin Simms. He has been at loggerheads with the SEA leadership and has set himself on collision course with brigadier Gary Fisher once again. Simms is believed to have moved back onto home turf in the Glenfield estate in Carrickfergus where his close associates erected UDA flags. Simms was once one of the most trusted figures in SEA – he was seen as ex-commander Clifford 'Trigger' Irons' right-hand man and faithful to Fisher. He was then arrested and questioned in relation to the murder of Glenn Quinn in January 2020. Terminally ill Glenn was battered to death in his own home by a gang, some of whom had connections to SEA. He was beaten with iron bars and suffered 52 fractures to his upper body. Simms was questioned and remains a suspect, although no one has been made accountable for the attack. He was then accused of siphoning money from the SEA and was subjected to a punishment shooting allegedly on Fisher's orders before being stood down. It is understood one of the commitments made by SEA leaders to British government negotiators was to scale back displays of paramilitary emblems and flags. Simms' move will be seen as a direct challenge to Fisher. Well-placed sources say SEA proposals place the British in an awkward position. There is an acknowledgement that there will be criminal elements who will continue to use the UDA name. And there is no offer on the table to eradicate drug dealing despite repeated pledges to do so since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement almost three decades ago. Simms' move is an indication of the worst case scenario. Drug dealing in the town will become fragmented, with SEA losing overall control of the trade. Should rival crime gangs follow suit it will result in a patchwork of organised crime gangs across the district. With 2,500 members, SEA is by far the largest brigade under the UDA flag. The vast majority are no longer active members. 'What they're (SEA) offering are small steps, the fact they will stop recruitment is welcome but in reality is window dressing,' a security source told us. It comes as the Sunday World also understands the remnants of the once-ruling Inner Council have told the British that they are not in a position to deliver UDA disbandment. The command structure of the organisation has disintegrated almost entirely, those remaining from the original Inner Council such as veteran South Belfast Brigadier Jackie McDonald – regarded as the de-facto leader of the UDA – no longer hold any significant influence. Loyalist terror groups put an £8.5 million price tag on them disbanding in the years after the Good Friday Agreement. Countless millions of pounds have been poured into loyalist areas. powerless Tommy Kirkham – who led the SEA breakaway in 2007 and who was dubbed Tommy 'Millions'' – said he could deliver the organisation, but nothing came of it. The SEA UDA is not a part of the Loyalist Communities Council and negotiates autonomously from the rest of the UDA, UVF and Red Hand Commando. The group has ruled out disbandment, with a source saying, 'if they stood down their leadership, they'd be replaced with a new one before teatime'. Their position is that they are offering only what they can. Realistically, they say, all they can do is cease recruitment and stop formal collection of membership dues. They are powerless to stop people – including themselves – using the UDA for criminal purposes. An interlocutor as recommended by the Independent Monitoring Commission is acting as a go-between with paramilitaries to gauge how far these organisations are willing to go. SEA has been responsible for a raft of murders in recent years – with all victims coming from their own community, including one-time commander Geordie Gilmore murdered in 2017 after a year-long feud. Other victims include 20-year-old Daniel McColgan in January 2002 as he arrived for work at a postal sorting office in Rathcoole, and 18-year-old Gavin Brett — the brother of DUP MLA Phillip — shot dead on the Hightown Road in Glengormley as he stood chatting to a group of friends in July 2001. Speculation around SEA comes as it was reported the UDA's 'London Brigade' had announced it was formally stand down. As reported by former British army officer, historian and author Aaron Edwards, it is believed the unit has transitioned into a veterans organisation. It is not thought the move will be regarded as in any way significant to the situation in Northern Ireland, with one security source describing it to the Sunday World as a 'distraction'.
The Journal
20 hours ago
- The Journal
Drag performer launches legal action after ‘campaign of abuse' following storytelling event
A DRAG PERFORMER has launched legal action being 'subjected to a campaign of online abuse' following a storytelling event in a Belfast library last week. The legal action has been initiated by Lady Portia Di'Monte, one of the two drag performers at the event which was held on Friday in the Holywood Arches Library in east Belfast. It was organised by the regeneration charity EastSide Partnership and was part of its Eastside Arts Festival. The storytelling event featured two drag queens, one of whom provided sign language interpretation, and included readings of The Chronicles of Narnia and Dear Zoo, a pop-up animal book aimed at toddlers. However, a number of protesters gathered outside the public library and the storytelling had to be cancelled early as a result. In a video circulated on social media, the two drag performers can be seen being escorted from the library by PSNI officers and taken away in a police vehicle. A PSNI spokesperson said that officers 'attended a report of a small demonstration and engaged with those present'. 'Two people were escorted from the building to further ensure that there would be no breach of the peace,' added the spokesperson. In a statement issued today by Phoenix Law, Lady Portia Di'Monte said that the 'private, family-friendly Drag Queen Storytime event' has become the 'subject of targeted misinformation and online abuse'. Lady Portia Di'Monte said the event 'promoted communication and belonging for all'. 'Despite its warm and educational focus, the event was disrupted by protesters whose actions created fear and discouraged some families from attending.' Advertisement The drag performer added that the PSNI were present to 'maintain safety due to external threats – not because of any risk inside'. 'Since the event, I have been subjected to abuse and false accusations online. 'I am now seeking legal advice to protect my reputation and my safety.' Lady Portia added: 'When children see diversity reflected around them—whether it's queer people, deaf individuals, blended families, or those who feel different—it builds empathy, understanding, and resilience. 'These events are about joy, education, and creating spaces where every child can feel seen and valued. 'To those spreading hate—I will not be silenced. I remain committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for all children to grow up feeling accepted and proud of who they are.' Phoenix Law said that the PSNI had to escort the drag performers from the library 'due to safety concerns arising from protesters outside the venue'. The law firm added that it is 'aware that footage of this incident has since circulated on social media, accompanied by damaging and defamatory commentary'. Phoenix Law solicitor Victoria Haddock said Lady Portia has been subjected to a 'campaign of online abuse, including highly serious and defamatory allegations'. 'These claims are entirely unfounded, malicious, and constitute a deliberate effort to harm our client's reputation. 'The suggestion that drag performance in this context poses any risk to children is baseless and harmful. 'We have now been instructed to initiate legal proceedings against all those responsible for publishing defamatory material, and to examine whether any criminal offences have been committed.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Woman and 2 children rushed to hospital with serious injuries after horror crash
A woman and two children were transported to hospital with serious injuries following a single-vehicle collision in Co Down on Thursday evening. Emergency services were called to a report of a collision involving a grey Volkswagen Polo on Downpatrick Road, Clough, at approximately 6.10pm. The woman and two children, who were occupants of the vehicle, received medical attention at the scene before they were transported to hospital for treatment of serious injuries, reports Belfast Live. Their conditions, however, are not believed to be life-threatening. A number of roads in the area were closed for a time while the incident was dealt with but have since reopened. Inspector Macdonald of the PSNI said: "A report was received at approximately 6.10pm on Thursday evening, 7th August, of a collision involving a grey Volkswagen Polo. "Officers attended, alongside colleagues from other emergency services. Medical attention was provided at the scene to three occupants of the car, a woman and two children. "They were transported onward to the hospital for treatment of serious injuries, not believed to be life-threatening at this time. "A number of roads that were closed for a time yesterday evening in order to facilitate emergency services have now fully reopened to road users. "Our investigation is underway, with enquiries ongoing. Anyone with information about what happened, or who has dash-cam or mobile phone footage of the collision, can contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1316 07/08/25." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
