British criticised over funds for Bloody Sunday victims

The British government was criticised today for spending millions on the Bloody Sunday Inquiry while under-funding other Northern…

The British government was criticised today for spending millions on the Bloody Sunday Inquiry while under-funding other Northern Ireland's victims.

Ulster Unionist MLA, Mr Billy Armstrong said he was appalled that only Stg £6.67 million was being provided under the PEACE 11 funding for the "real victims of violence over the last 30 years".

Speaking ahead of Questions to the First and Deputy First Ministers, the Mid Ulster representative compared it to the amount the British government was spending on Bloody Sunday.

He said East Derry MP, Mr Willie Ross had been told that more than Stg £33 million had been spent on the Inquiry so far.

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"I would call upon the First and Deputy First Ministers to use their offices to lobby extensively with a view to increasing the level of funding paid to victims," he said.

"In the meantime the First and Deputy First Ministers must ensure that PEACE 11 money reaches the real victims of terrorism rather than the perpetrators of terrorism."

PA