Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Report of the Independent Reviewer for National Security Arrangements 2021

30 June 2022 · Northern Ireland Office

Proposed by Brandon Lewis Con Great Yarmouth

Community SecurityCrime & Law EnforcementNorthern Ireland

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • Independent Reviewer for National Security Arrangements report for 2021 submitted in Northern Ireland
  • Minister provides a summary of the classified report instead of the full document
  • Report highlights security challenges including paramilitary activities and violence related to the Northern Ireland Protocol

Issue summary

This statement addresses the submission of the Independent Reviewer for National Security Arrangements report for 2021 in Northern Ireland.

Action requested

The minister is unable to lay a copy of the classified report but provides a summary. The report details security challenges, including paramilitary activities and violence related to the Northern Ireland Protocol, as well as ongoing collaboration between MI5 and PSNI to combat terrorism. It concludes that there is compliance with the five key principles identified by the Chief Constable for effective operation.

Key facts

  • Brian Barker CBE QC submitted his report on national security arrangements in Northern Ireland for 2021.
  • The year marked significant anniversaries including the centenary of Northern Ireland's creation and the PSNI's twentieth anniversary.
  • There were 2 security-related deaths, 5 bombing incidents, 25 shootings, and 36 casualties from paramilitary-style assaults in 2021.
  • MI5 and PSNI maintained effective collaboration despite operational challenges posed by the pandemic.
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