As stated by Iain Livingston, the overseer of Operation Kenova, the British government is currently contemplating offering an apology to the families of victims allegedly betrayed by the IRA during the Troubles. The issue of presenting an apology was being reviewed by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and others within the government, he stated during a meeting with the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee in Westminster.
Livingston further elaborated on the preliminary findings of the Kenova investigation in discussion last Tuesday. Published last month, the initial report deduced that British defence forces enabled murders to transpire unchecked to shelter its informants within the Provisional IRA. Furthermore, it concluded that the actions of the British informer, Stakeknife, widely assumed to be Freddie Scappaticci, resulted in a higher number of lives lost than preserved.
The presence of Jon Boutcher, the ex-leader of Operation Kenova and current Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), at the committee meeting was also pivotal. Boutcher underscored the significance of apologies, calling out the republican movement’s omission of direct apology or admittance pertaining to these cases. He advocated for a change in approach via public acknowledgement and regret from the parties involved.
Boutcher went on to express his expectation that the UK authorities will consider issuing a due apology to the affected families, an action that he believes is already acknowledged as necessary by British government and security forces.
The policy of “neither confirm nor deny” followed by the UK government concerning sensitive intelligence matters was also broached during the prolonged meeting. Boutcher argued that this policy is facilitating a narrative of collusion and conspiracy, as it prevents disclosing any details to legally launched inquiries. The preliminary Kenova report recommended revising this approach.
Mr. Boutcher expressed that he possesses considerable expertise in this area, stating that a comprehensive review of all relevant data often demonstrates the extent of a commendable job performed by security forces, rather than exposing any collusion or conspiracy. However, he insists on the importance of not concealing any issues that may be found.
Mr. Boutcher voiced his disagreement with the Secretary of State, emphasising their capability to disclose some information. He rubbished the notion that investigations into criminal activities could be impeded if an agent comes into play as completely nonsensical.
The use of the neither confirm nor deny stance in Northern Ireland, according to Mr. Boutcher, has severely hampered past chief constables and investigators, acting like a hindrance that restricts progress. He pleaded for a re-examination and update of the policy within the framework of The Troubles in Northern Ireland, firmly stating that no individuals involved in homicides should be allowed protection under the neither confirm nor deny statute.