The SDLP has tabled a ‘tackling paramilitarism’ motion which will be debated at Stormont next week.
The move by, by the official opposition, comes after a unionist think-tank produced a report urging loyalist paramilitary groups to move towards disbandment.
The think-tank, includes former PUP and UUP councillor Dr John Kyle, UUP election candidate Trevor Ringland and Rev Chris Hudson, who as involved in past negotiations between the Irish government and UVF.
The report, Reframing the Debate: ending loyalist paramilitarism, has been published ahead of the 30th anniversary on Sunday of the October 1994 ceasefire announced by the Combined Loyalist Military Command.
The document makes 10 recommendations and calls for a “collective public commitment” from the UVF, UDA and Red Hand Commando (RHC) that they “no longer exist as paramilitary organisations”.
The SDLP motion also comes after it emerged that two DUP Stormont ministers have met with the Loyalist Communities Council.
Communities minister Gordon Lyons and his education counterpart Paul Givan have met with representatives of the group in recent weeks.
Established in 2015, the LCC is an umbrella group for the UVF, UDA and RHC.
The SDLP motion says that the “assembly recognises that the ongoing presence of paramilitary organisations is harming community cohesion, economic development and the overall stability of Northern Ireland”.
It also “notes with concern the persistent incidents of paramilitary activity, including intimidation, extortion, and violence, which continue to undermine the rule of law and the safety of our citizens”.
The motion calls on the First Minister to “introduce a comprehensive review” of the Tackling Paramilitarism, Criminality and Organised Crime Programme”.
Opposition leader Matthew O’Toole said: “Paramilitaries should not be playing an active part in life in Northern Ireland in 2024.
“Thirty years ago this month the loyalist ceasefire was declared with every paramilitary grouping ceasing violence, yet we are still in a situation where these groups exert destructive control over their communities, running large-scale criminal enterprises.
“The Executive has totally failed to deal with issues around paramilitarism, passing the buck from department to department when it comes to so much as taking down a flag.”
Mr O’Toole said his party is bringing forward the motion “so that we can have a transparent discussion on this issue and so that parties can clearly outline their views on ending the insidious influence of paramilitarism on the north”.
