50:50 recruitment scrappage welcome

Mr Campbell asked Secretary of State Owen Paterson at the House of Commons if he was willing to support the endeavour.

He made the comments following Mr Paterson’s confirmation that the provisions were to come to an end on Monday, March 28.

The DUP MP said the announcement came at a time when the threat from violent republicans was particularly acute. This was underlined by the attempted bombing of the Bishop Street Courthouse in Londonderry on Sunday.

Speaking at Westminster Mr Campbell said: “The dissident threat level remains high. Yesterday, the Secretary of State announced the end of the 50:50 discrimination rule in recruitment to the police.”

He asked: “Will he join us next week in ensuring that the 10 years of discrimination against young Protestants is completely at an end, and in ensuring that young Protestants and young Catholics can join that police service to combat dissident threat levels and ensure a return to normality in Northern Ireland?”

Mr Paterson replied: “I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his question. We are happy that the Police Service of Northern Ireland now represents the community and offers a career path that attracts people from all across it. The issue is now in devolved hands, which is where it should be.”

Earlier the Northern Ireland Justice Minister David Ford said: “Northern Ireland has changed significantly since the provisions were first introduced in 2001 and I believe the PSNI will continue to attract excellent applicants from all sections of our community without the use of the temporary provisions.

“I am acutely aware of the value of having a police service which is reflective of the entire community and with the community in Northern Ireland becoming more diverse this becomes increasingly important.

“The PSNI will continue with their outreach work and I have no doubt that community leaders will continue to encourage their communities to apply to join the PSNI and give the PSNI their support.”