London refuses to disclose details of secret DUP deals
The British government has refused to disclose details of up to 100 secret deals that it apparently struck with the DUP during talks two years ago.
The deals are believed to have been agreed during discussions that led up to the so-called Comprehensive Agreement drawn up in 2004.
The document was put forward by the Irish and British governments following months of negotiations with Sinn Féin and the DUP in the absence of the other Northern parties.
However, it collapsed after the IRA refused to accept the DUP's demand that the decommissioning process be photographed.
The SDLP submitted a request for details of the negotiations under the Freedom of Information Act after the DUP claimed earlier this year that it had secured more than 100 side deals and understandings during the talks.
However, the British government has refused the request on the grounds that it could prejudice London's relationship with the Irish Government and damage the political process.
The SDLP is planning to appeal the refusal, saying the public has a right to know whether the British had agreed changes to the Good Friday Agreement at the behest of the DUP.
