Northern Ireland

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Business, Innovation and Skills – in the House of Commons at 12:40 pm on 15 September 2015.

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Photo of Theresa Villiers Theresa Villiers The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 12:40, 15 September 2015

It is always important to have a reminder of the interests of those who have suffered most as a result of the troubles and the terrorism that took place. The hon. Gentleman is right to highlight the problem in Northern Ireland of so-called paramilitary assaults. These things are utterly unacceptable. For people to seek to take the law into their own hands is just an excuse for violent thuggery. Many people have lost their lives or suffered permanent disability as a result of those assaults. That is one reason why we need to address urgently the role of the continuing paramilitary organisations, so that we can finally see an end to what really is a scourge on Northern Ireland’s society.