Statement by Shaun Woodward on UDA Decommissioning, Belfast, (6 January 2010)

Statement by Shaun Woodward, then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, about Ulster Defence Association (UDA) decommissioning, Belfast, (6 January 2010)

"This is a major act of leadership by the UDA and further comprehensive evidence of the success of politics over violence in Northern Ireland.

The road to decommissioning has not been easy. It has required people keep faith with demanding and exacting policy, supported by clear principles built on a total rejection of violence.

I am pleased that today’s very good news from the IICD provides yet more evidence that firmness of government policy, with a clear deadline have produced a startlingly strong outcome, removing some of the most dangerous weapons from the streets.

For those other groups still intending to decommission, I remind them of my deadline which expires next month. The scheme will end.

And any other groups, currently engaged with the IICD, should take advantage now of this legislation, putting all their weapons beyond use."