The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) acknowledges today’s judgment of the UK Supreme Court in the Thompson case and the clarity it brings to some complex legal issues.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “We will now take time to study today’s judgment in detail and will carefully consider its implications.
“Our written evidence and submissions in this case are published on our website.
“This case arose out of a Public Interest Immunity (PII) claim made on national security grounds. As referred to in the judgment, PSNI has taken steps to reform its approach to such claims and we published new in-house guidance on the subject on 12 December 2025.
“If we are to build a safe, confident and peaceful society, then we must find a way of dealing with the legacy of our past and we are committed to playing our part in that process.
We are very much looking forward to meeting with the NIO and other stakeholders in the New Year to discuss the judgement. We need a PII process that works to the satisfaction of the courts and our partners, and has regard to the proper disclosure of information to victims and their families."
[View the written evidence and submissions by clicking here]