Francie Molloy joins calls for release of files relating to the death of plastic bullet victim Paul Whitters

He said: “In 1981, Paul Whitters and Julie Livingstone were killed by plastic bullets fired by the RUC and British Army.

“Both were young children at the time of their killing, with Julie aged 14 and Paul aged 15 .

“For almost 40 years, both victims' families have been campaigning veraciously for truth and justice.

“At each turn during this long campaign for truth and justice, the British Government has consistently created new obstacles for the families.

“In 2019, the British Government marked files relating to both killings as ‘secret’ and have since refused to release them."

Mr. Molloy was speaking after SDLP MP Colum Eastwood raised the matter in Westminster on Wednesday.

Mr. Eastwood said there was "no good reason to keep those files closed" but Secretary of State Brandon Lewis said the files were "currently held by the National Archives and were closed to protect the privacy, health and safety of individuals named in those files".

The Secretary of State said: "A freedom of information request to the National Archives is the most appropriate next step to enable a full independent review of the files. Such a request can be made by anyone, including the hon. Member, and my Department would provide any necessary assistance to the National Archives if such a request were received."

Mr. Molloy responded: “The British Secretary of State told both families that there is nothing that his office could do and that they should submit a Freedom of Information request to the National Archives.

“This disregard for the families and attempt to downplay the role that the British Government can play to bring about truth and justice for the families must end."