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National Crime Agency: MLAs vote to extend powers to Northern Ireland National Crime Agency: MLAs vote to extend powers to Northern Ireland
(35 minutes later)
MLAs at Stormont have voted to extend the National Crime Agency's powers to Northern Ireland.MLAs at Stormont have voted to extend the National Crime Agency's powers to Northern Ireland.
The vote was passed after the SDLP changed its position and supported the move.The vote was passed after the SDLP changed its position and supported the move.
The party originally opposed the NCA's extension because of concerns over the agency's accountabilityThe party originally opposed the NCA's extension because of concerns over the agency's accountability
However, the SDLP has now said that a series of new measures proposed by the UK government means they can back its full introduction in Northern Ireland.However, the SDLP has now said that a series of new measures proposed by the UK government means they can back its full introduction in Northern Ireland.
It is understood the NCA will be subject to the same Code of Ethics that applies to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).It is understood the NCA will be subject to the same Code of Ethics that applies to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
The police ombudsman will also have full power to investigate the body.The police ombudsman will also have full power to investigate the body.
It is also believed the NCA's director general will be accountable to the Policing Board on matters relating to Northern Ireland.It is also believed the NCA's director general will be accountable to the Policing Board on matters relating to Northern Ireland.
The NCA began operating in the rest of the UK in 2013, but up until now its full powers have not been extended to Northern Ireland because of opposition from nationalist politicians.The NCA began operating in the rest of the UK in 2013, but up until now its full powers have not been extended to Northern Ireland because of opposition from nationalist politicians.
Its acceptance required cross-community support at Stormont.Its acceptance required cross-community support at Stormont.
Speaking in the assembly, SDLP deputy leader Dolores Kelly said her party would vote in favour of the motion, following negotiations with the Department of Justice, the NCA and the PSNI on additional accountability procedures.Speaking in the assembly, SDLP deputy leader Dolores Kelly said her party would vote in favour of the motion, following negotiations with the Department of Justice, the NCA and the PSNI on additional accountability procedures.
"We are pleased with the level of accountability that we have secured," she said, adding that her party had "shown leadership"."We are pleased with the level of accountability that we have secured," she said, adding that her party had "shown leadership".
Mrs Kelly listed the accountability measures as a code of ethics, and a role for the police ombudsman and the human rights advisor of the Policing Board.Mrs Kelly listed the accountability measures as a code of ethics, and a role for the police ombudsman and the human rights advisor of the Policing Board.
Ulster Unionist Danny Kennedy welcomed the "very clear and distinct support, some would say at long last, by the SDLP".Ulster Unionist Danny Kennedy welcomed the "very clear and distinct support, some would say at long last, by the SDLP".
He said there was no doubt the NCA was needed, citing police claims that there were "at least 140 criminal gangs" operating in Northern Ireland.He said there was no doubt the NCA was needed, citing police claims that there were "at least 140 criminal gangs" operating in Northern Ireland.
Trevor Lunn of Alliance said the need for the extension of NCA powers was "self-evident", while DUP MLA Jonathan Craig said "policing in Northern Ireland is under huge pressures".Trevor Lunn of Alliance said the need for the extension of NCA powers was "self-evident", while DUP MLA Jonathan Craig said "policing in Northern Ireland is under huge pressures".
Sinn Féin's Raymond McCartney objected to the means by which the matter was being brought before the assembly.Sinn Féin's Raymond McCartney objected to the means by which the matter was being brought before the assembly.
He said it should have been brought as a legislative consent motion with the approval of the executive, and that the matter was "significant and controversial".He said it should have been brought as a legislative consent motion with the approval of the executive, and that the matter was "significant and controversial".
Secretary of State Theresa Villiers said she was "delighted" that MLAs had voted to allow the NCA to operate in Northern Ireland.
"This excellent result has been achieved through many months of intensive work and negotiation led by the department of justice and with crucial engagement from the Home Office, NIO, NCA, PSNI and the NI parties," she said.
"This work has ensured that the NCA can offer vital protection to the people of Northern Ireland while ensuring that principles of local accountability are maintained."
The NCA began operating in the rest of the UK in 2013, but up until now its full powers have not been extended to Northern Ireland because of opposition from nationalist politicians.The NCA began operating in the rest of the UK in 2013, but up until now its full powers have not been extended to Northern Ireland because of opposition from nationalist politicians.
It is understood the NCA will be subject to the same Code of Ethics that applies to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).It is understood the NCA will be subject to the same Code of Ethics that applies to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
The police ombudsman will also have full power to investigate the body.The police ombudsman will also have full power to investigate the body.
It is also believed the NCA's director general will be accountable to the Policing Board on matters relating to Northern Ireland.It is also believed the NCA's director general will be accountable to the Policing Board on matters relating to Northern Ireland.
The full introduction of the agency into Northern Ireland is being discussed by assembly members at Stormont on Tuesday.The full introduction of the agency into Northern Ireland is being discussed by assembly members at Stormont on Tuesday.
The DUP, the UUP and the Alliance Party has welcomed the SDLP's decision.The DUP, the UUP and the Alliance Party has welcomed the SDLP's decision.
Billed by some as a "British FBI", the agency is opposed by Sinn Féin, which has major concerns about its operation.Billed by some as a "British FBI", the agency is opposed by Sinn Féin, which has major concerns about its operation.
Earlier on Tuesday, Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said he understood the SDLP had received a letter from the Home Secretary Theresa May about the role of the NCA in Northern Ireland.Earlier on Tuesday, Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said he understood the SDLP had received a letter from the Home Secretary Theresa May about the role of the NCA in Northern Ireland.