Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Report of the Independent Reviewer for National Security Arrangements 2023

16 May 2024 · Northern Ireland Office

Proposed by Chris Heaton-Harris Con Daventry

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

  • The Independent Reviewer for National Security Arrangements in Northern Ireland for 2023 reports a decrease in terrorist-related deaths.
  • The report notes an increase in incidents unrelated to National Security threats.
  • The statement confirms that the Police Service of Northern Ireland adheres to the principles stipulated in Annex E of the St Andrews Agreement.

Issue summary

The statement discusses the findings of Professor Marie Breen Smyth's report on national security arrangements in Northern Ireland for 2023, focusing on the reduction in terrorist-related deaths and an increase in non-National Security threat related incidents.

Action requested

No specific action is requested. The minister summarizes the Independent Reviewer's compliance with Annex E of the St Andrews Agreement, confirming that PSNI continues to comply with all stipulated principles.

Key facts

  • Professor Marie Breen Smyth submitted her report for the period from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023.
  • There were no security-related deaths in Northern Ireland in 2023, a first since records began in 1969.
  • The number of bombing and shooting incidents increased compared to the previous year.
  • The NIRT threat level was raised from SUBSTANTIAL to SEVERE on March 28, 2023.
  • A data breach involving PSNI officer details occurred on August 8, 2023.
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