�������t¶��

"The families' experience has been...the death of loved ones falling under the radar and of distressing and at times appalling delays," she said.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said this would "ensure these appalling crimes are taken seriously" but the Conservatives said the measures were "too little, too late".

Streeting had called for his former assistant to resign, saying: "There are no excuses for his appalling behaviour. I am calling for him, again, to resign as a Redbridge councillor immediately."

The East Belfast MP said the band's position was "appalling and outrageous" and said there was a collective political will in London and Dublin to "call out" their comments.

"The appalling example this episode sets to others needs no emphasis from me."