North Antrim MLA raises alarm over alleged Sinn Féin demands on PSNI officers

Inset: North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows

North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows has voiced serious concern over reports that Sinn Féin representatives allegedly asked PSNI officers to remove their personal protection weapons before entering party offices or attending community meetings.

Mr Burrows — a retired senior police officer — described the alleged actions as a “dangerous abuse of political power” that could undermine both officer safety and the independence of policing in Northern Ireland.

In a strongly worded statement, the Ulster Unionist MLA called on the Chief Constable to take “immediate action” to ensure that such behaviour, if substantiated, is not tolerated.

Mr Burrows said:

“As a retired senior police officer and now an MLA, I am deeply concerned by reports that Sinn Féin representatives have at times demanded PSNI officers remove their personal protection firearms before entering their offices or attending community meetings.

“This is a deeply troubling abuse of political power.”

He added:

“No political party, not least of all one with Sinn Féin’s history, has the right to dictate operational policing matters. These alleged incidents are not only inappropriate, they are dangerous.

“Our police officers carry personal protection weapons for legitimate reasons, authorised by the Service, and no officer should ever be pressured to compromise their safety.”

Referring to Sinn Féin’s previous criticism of the PSNI following the Sean Graham case, Mr Burrows said the latest allegations suggested the party had “clearly not learned the lessons.”

“They cannot pick and choose when to support the police and they certainly cannot control them or put them in harm’s way,” he said.

The North Antrim MLA urged the Chief Constable to make clear that any such requests to officers are “unacceptable”, and to reaffirm that political interference in policing will not be tolerated.

“The Chief Constable would be wise to review this matter and ensure that every PSNI officer is clear they should never comply with any request or instruction from a political representative to remove their personal protection weapon before entering a premises and that such representations are reported to senior officers.

“The Chief Constable ought to publicly state that he believes such requests on his officers are unacceptable.”

Mr Burrows concluded by stressing that public confidence in policing depends on maintaining political neutrality.

“The public must have confidence that policing in Northern Ireland is impartial and free from political interference. That principle is non-negotiable and I will remain vigilant to Sinn Féin’s manoeuvres.”

The PSNI has been approached for comment.