Speaking after attending the launch of Justice for Innocent Victims of Terror in Stormont today TUV press officer Sammy Morrison said:

“I greatly welcome the formation of JIVT which will has the potential to become an important advocate for innocent victims in the months and years ahead. Having listened to some of those who suffered directly at the hands of terrorists today it is clear that many innocent victims continue to suffer because of the lack of justice in our society. It was refreshing to hear the point made that perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions. That fundamental of a decent society has been dispensed with in Northern Ireland. JIVT’s desire to do right by those who have been murdered, ensure that the past is not misrepresented to the detriment of future generations and campaign for a change in the definition of a victim where, by law, the innocent victim is put in the same category as the terrorist blown up by his own bomb, are all things TUV will fully support.

“However, I would warn innocent victims against putting any trust in the promises of those who partner Sinn Fein/IRA in government. Today Jeffrey Donaldson claimed that legislation would soon be brought before Stormont to change the definition of a victim contained within the 2006 Victims and Survivors Order. Innocent victims would do well to remember that this is not the first time they have heard such empty rhetoric.

“Before the last European election the DUP claimed:
“Very soon, legislation will be brought before the Assembly to change the definition of a victim. It has been passed to the Bill Office and is at an advanced stage.” (Diane Dodds in a DUP press release, 16th April 2009).

“The truth is that the DUP cannot effect the change to the legislation as they have given Nationalism a complete veto over all legislation at Stormont.”