The following line should be attributed to Policing Board Chair Anne Connolly:
“The statement provides welcome confirmation of the need to get the Board constituted and new Members appointed.
Whilst I along with independent members colleagues have been working to keep the structures of police accountability in place, without a legally constituted membership the Board’s range of statutory duties, including senior officer appointments, could not be discharged.
The prevailing situation has been deeply concerning and frustrating for me as Board Chair as there are many issues that need addressed and progressed.
It is positive the Secretary of State has now indicated that legislation will be introduced in the Autumn to progress appointments to the Board which will hopefully allow the Board to become fully operational again.”
Ends