Chief Constable Jon Boutcher comments on the government’s statement on the 2015 ‘Paramilitary Groups in Northern Ireland’ review

Commenting on the response to Lord Caine’s written questions to Parliament today, Wednesday 30th October, Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “The Government has today told Parliament the ‘Paramilitary Groups in Northern Ireland’ report published in 2015 provided a one-off factual assessment from the UK security agencies and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) on the structure, role and purpose of paramilitary organisations in Northern Ireland. This public assessment, which was intended to inform the then ongoing cross-party talks, has not been repeated. 
 
“I want the public to be reassured that we, alongside our security partners, continually assess the threat, risk and harm posed by paramilitary, terrorist and organised crime groups to inform the most appropriate operational response. 
 
“Any criminality or threat – by individuals or groups, loyalist or republican will be investigated and those responsible will be brought before the courts.
  
“The threat from Northern Ireland Related Terrorism (NIRT) in Northern Ireland is assessed by our security partners, not PSNI. This threat is wholly driven by violent Dissident Republicans and not by any group which supports the Belfast Good Friday Agreement. This threat is an ever-present reality for our officers, staff and their families as shown by the cowardly attempted murder last year of our colleague John Caldwell. The threat from NIRT remains SUBSTANTIAL meaning at any time an attack is likely.”