30 April 2026
The SDLP has welcomed today’s findings that the killing of five innocent civilians in Springhill was unlawful.
Less than a year later after the Ballymurphy Massacre, the wider Springhill area came under attack again, with the British Army acting with impunity and killing further civilians, including children and a Catholic priest.
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP said:
"Today's findings are another stark reminder of the need for the British Government to act promptly to remove the unlawful disclosure regime within the Northern Ireland Troubles Act and bring forward a Legacy Bill that is genuinely victim-centred and fully compliant with its obligations under international law.”
Also commenting on the findings, SDLP West Belfast representative Gerard McDonald said:
"I would like to pay tribute to the families of the Springhill victims who for many years have undertaken a long fight for truth and justice for their loved ones. With each inquest, more of the truth about the Troubles is brought to light, truth that was denied by the British state for over 50 years, but long known and asserted by the local community.
"Today’s findings reinforce the urgent need for mechanisms that are compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights, ensuring that families have access to truth and justice. Victims and their families deserve acknowledgement, and the unjust stain of allegations that they were gunmen or gunwomen must be removed from their reputations."