Ireland

British govt ceases to recognise UVF ceasefire

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The British government has ceased to recognise the UVF ceasefire.

From midnight, the UVF and the Red Hand Commando, another organisation linked to loyalist paramilitary activity, are being specified.

The decision has been taken following a review by the Northern Secretary, Peter Hain.

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It follows several days of loyalist street violence and a bitter feud between the UVF and the LVF that has claimed four lives.

The British government is continuing to recognise the UDA ceasefire.

There had been allegations that UDA members were involved in recent rioting, but today the UDA in north Belfast called on its members not to get involved in disturbances.

Prior to tonight's announcement, the leader of the Progressive Unionist Party, which is linked to the UVF, said the move was 'hardly unexpected'. David Ervine said the decision was nevertheless 'tragic'.

Earlier tonight, homeward bound commuters leaving Belfast faced fresh disruption by protests on main routes out of the city.

The loyalist protests, all reported by police to be peaceful, were more limited than yesterday evening.

Over 30 police officers were injured and 63 arrests were made in recent street disturbances across the North.

The PSNI has said that ten officers were injured in last night's violence. Police officers were attacked with petrol bombs and firework-type devices in the Cambrai Street and Crumlin Road areas.

A number of cars were set alight and a pipe bomb was dealt with by British army experts.

Following criticism from Northern Ireland Chief Constable Hugh Orde and others, the Orange Order is preparing to issue a response to how it reacted to the violence.

Earlier, the Minister for Justice said true republicans must do more to reach out to the unionist community in Northern Ireland. 

Speaking in Dublin, Michael McDowell said the recent violence in and around Belfast would not bring down the Good Friday Agreement.

He said a new vision of Ireland must recognise and respect the orange panel in the Irish Tricolour.

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Peter Hain British govt no longer recognises UVF ceasefire
Peter Hain
British govt no longer recognises UVF ceasefire
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