Former UK ambassador to the US Lord Kim Darroch also said vetting for the role is a lengthy and thorough process.

Lord Peter Mandelson’s “singular talents” meant he was deemed “worth the risk” to appoint as ambassador after checks were carried out, a Cabinet minister has said.

The shootings happened at the conclusion of a banned protest march by the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association.

Thirteen people were killed on January 30 1972 when paratroopers opened fire on civil rights protesters in Londonderry.

Solider F is due to go on trial on Monday for two murders and five attempted murders on the streets of Londonderry in January 1972.

Police said at least 25 people were arrested and 26 police officers were injured in the large-scale demo in London on Saturday.

Here are some of the key dates in the decades-long campaign for justice by the families of civilians killed by soldiers on Bloody Sunday in Londonderry. Members of the Parachute Regiment open fire on ...