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No question of paying any paramilitary group to disband, says Hilary Benn

Sir Keir Starmer also told the Commons he is ‘committed to making progress towards ending paramilitaries once and for all’.



Hilary Benn, the Northern Ireland Secretary, has stated that there is no intention to pay paramilitary groups to disband, emphasizing that financial incentives are not part of the government's approach. He highlighted that the proof of disbandment would be the cessation of illegal activities such as recruitment, assaults, intimidation, and exploitation. The UK and Irish Governments plan to appoint an independent figure to assess whether a formal engagement process with these groups is necessary. MPs, including Ms Hanna, have raised concerns about ensuring no financial payoff and setting preconditions for disbandment, such as surrendering emblems and financial assets. The focus is on genuine disarmament and transition without financial incentives.

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