Louise Haigh comments on the inquest verdict into Ballymurphy

“On what must be an impossibly difficult day, my thoughts are with the families of those killed in Ballymurphy who have finally heard the truth about what happened to their loved ones.

“The conclusions of Mrs Justice Keegan are clear and irrefutable. Those who lost their lives were innocent and posing no threat. Their deaths were without justification. The fundamental right to life violated.

“That families have had to fight for so long for the truth is a profound failure of justice. One which must be learnt from. For these families, the standard to which we hold ourselves as a nation of laws has fallen far short.

“Many more families affected by the conflict are, too, still fighting for answers.

“The case for a comprehensive legacy process, with families able to discover the truth about what happened to their loved ones and where possible, justice, is strong and compelling. Ministers promised victims such a process, they owe it to families to deliver on their commitments.”