Victims 'used as bargaining chip'

Victims of the Northern Ireland Troubles are tired of their rights being used as a "bargaining chip" in the push to get a deal at Stormont, a campaigner has said.

Groups representing bereaved relatives took to the streets of Belfast to call for political action in dealing with the past. Hundreds made their way to City Hall, marching under the banner 'Time for Truth', with many carrying pictures of loved ones, including South Down MLA Emma Rogan, whose father Adrian was shot dead in the UVF Loughinisland massacre in Co Down.

Mark Thompson, director of Relatives for Justice (RFJ), said the British government "carries the responsibility" of ensuring legacy issues were addressed and added: "You can't use as a bargaining chip the rights of victims."