The British Government is said to be considering delaying reform of the RUC unless the SDLP commits itself to participating in the proposed new Police Board, according to a report in the Independent newspaper of London. However, the Northern Ireland Office has denied that an ultimatum has been issued to anyone.
The British government plans provided for a shadow Police Board to be in place by the end of this month. It would oversee the recruitment and running of a new Police Service of Northern Ireland, to replace the RUC. Ten places on the Board have been allocated for political parties. But Sinn Fein and the SDLP believe the Patten proposals for reforming the RUC have been watered down.
The SDLP wants the Board on which it would have three members to be able to investigate allegations of previous security force abuses. It also wants clarification on any emblems for the new service before it's prepared to encourage Catholics to join. Northern Ireland Office sources are playing down a report in a London newspaper, which claimed the Secretary of State was preparing to delay indefinitely the proposed reforms, unless the SDLP agrees within the next two weeks to become involved with the Board.
While indicating the need for movement, they denied Peter Mandelson was giving an ultimatum to anybody. The SDLP's Alex Attwood said more progress was necessary to ensure a police service with the allegiance of all could be created. The British government plans provided for a shadow Police Board to be in place by the end of this month. It would oversee the recruitment and running of a new Police Service of Northern Ireland, to replace the RUC. Ten places on the Board have been allocated for political parties.
