Ballymurphy families receive letter from PM

Boris Johnson expressed his personal sorrow for the 'terrible hurt'

Author: Tara MclaughlinPublished 13th May 2021

The Ballymurphy families have received a letter from the Prime Minister.

In his letter Mr Johnson said: "I unequivocally accept the findings of the coroner.

"Those who died over that terrible period were innocent of any wrongdoing. The events at Ballymurphy should never have happened.

"You should never have had to experience such grief at the loss of your loved ones and such distress in your subsequent quest for truth.

"The duty of the State is to hold itself to the highest standard and that requires us to recognise the hurt and agony caused when we fall short of those standards.

"For what happened on those terrible few days in Ballymurphy, and for what the families have gone through since you began your brave and dignified campaign almost five decades ago, I am truly sorry.

"I recognise that no words of apology can make up for the lasting pain that you have endured. Thank you for the dignity and strength you have shown.''