SDLP Policing Board member Mark H Durkan has said that families of victims and survivors deserve to know the full truth on the activities of Stakeknife.

He was speaking after it emerged MI5 had discovered hundreds of new documents relating to the state agent.

Foyle MLA Mr Durkan said:

“This is a shocking development. The failure of MI5 to provide full disclosure to Operation Kenova is a further affront to truth and justice but most of all to victims, survivors and families who have shown such fortitude. My thoughts are with them as they suffer a further blow which will no doubt compound their hurt and frustration.

“State agencies have for decades resisted disclosure. This is a further brazen example. It should mean that in its approach to legacy the new London Government must add disclosure to the list of fundamental issues that must be fixed. Those who fail to fully engage in investigations like Operation Kenova must be compelled to do so.

“It is yet unclear how the discovery of these documents will impact the interim Kenova report, but regardless the full truth must be told so that families finally have the truth they have sought for so long. There must also be assurances that all relevant information has been handed over to the investigation team so they can complete their important work.”