Peace Process

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Northern Ireland – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 27 February 1997.

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Photo of Sir Patrick Mayhew Sir Patrick Mayhew , Tunbridge Wells 12:00, 27 February 1997

I think that many people will take reassurance from what the hon. Lady has said in the latter part of that question. What these people have got to know and learn is that they cannot look forward to being able to turn violence off and then turn violence on again. That is what is meant by the need for a credible, unequivocal ceasefire, a setting aside for good—not just for a tactical period—of the use of violence for political purposes. I agree with what she says about the importance of the talks process.