An unqualified, unambivalent apology by Prime Minister David Cameron for the actions of British paratroopers on the streets of Derry 38 years ago looked as if it may finally close the chapter on the atrocity known as Bloody Sunday.
Mr Cameron and acting Labour leader Harriet Harman both expressed remorse and regret for the “unjustified and unjustifiable” actions of British paratroopers which saw UK citizens shot dead by British Army soldiers on British streets as they protested for civil rights enjoyed in other parts of the country.
Thirteen people were shot dead on January 30 1972 and a 14th died later. Paratroopers shot protesters as they lay wounded and as they sought to help their children, other family members and neighbours or as they crawled to safety.
No warning was given by the soldiers who fired first and who were not under fire or under any other threat, Lord Saville found.
Mr Cameron, speaking to a hushed chamber, described the actions as “shocking”. Former DUP leader Ian Paisley, now in the House of Lords with his wife, also a peer, looked on from the distinguished visitors’ gallery above as Mr Cameron spoke. The Prime Minister departed from protocol to acknowledge his presence and called him “the Big Man” from the floor of the Chamber.
Lord Saville’s lengthy report – the executive summary alone runs to almost 60 pages – also found that soldiers who gave evidence under protection of anonymity at a special sittings at Methodist Central Hall in Westminster probably lied under oath and perjured themselves.
The £195 million report, which took 12 years to produce, also categorically dismissed IRA claims that the shootings had been part of a pre-meditated British conspiracy.
