Summary
Overview
This episode explores the aftermath of Bloody Sunday on January 30, 1972, when British paratroopers killed 13 unarmed Catholic civilians in Derry. The hosts examine how this tragedy, along with escalating violence from both Republican and Loyalist paramilitaries, led to the suspension of Stormont Parliament and direct rule from Westminster. 1972 became the bloodiest year of the Troubles with 479 deaths, yet also saw secret peace talks between the IRA and British government that ultimately failed, setting the stage for decades more conflict.
The Bloody Sunday Inquiry and Government Apology
David Cameron's 2010 statement to Parliament marked a watershed moment when he apologized for Bloody Sunday, declaring the killings 'unjustified and unjustifiable.' This came after the £200 million Savile Inquiry, which contradicted the earlier Widgery Report that had exonerated the paratroopers. The inquiry's conclusions—spanning 5,036 pages—established that the soldiers lost control, lied about being under attack, and shot unarmed civilians, many in the back as they fled.
- Cameron apologized on behalf of the government, calling Bloody Sunday 'both unjustified and unjustifiable' and admitting 'some members of our armed forces acted wrongly'
- The Savile Inquiry cost nearly £200 million and was set up by Tony Blair in 1998 as part of the peace process
- The first Widgery Report in 1972 had largely exonerated the paratroopers, but families and U2's song helped keep the issue alive
- 13 unarmed Catholic civilians were killed by British paratroopers during a protest march on January 30, 1972
" What happened on Bloody Sunday was both unjustified and unjustifiable. It was wrong. What happened should never, ever have happened. "
British Government Options After Bloody Sunday
In the aftermath of Bloody Sunday and escalating violence, Heath's government considered all options including withdrawal, border redrawing, and ending partition. However, withdrawal was deemed catastrophic—it would likely spark full civil war, create hundreds of thousands of Protestant refugees, and the Irish government secretly opposed it. The Ministry of Defence warned that direct rule might cause Protestants to turn against Britain, potentially forcing the army to fight both sides simultaneously.
- Heath's cabinet discussed all options including withdrawal, redrawing the border, or a referendum on ending partition
- Foreign Secretary Alec Douglas-Home said British interests would best be served by getting rid of Northern Ireland and telling unionists to join a united Ireland
- The Irish government in 1975 actually contacted Henry Kissinger asking him to pressure Britain NOT to withdraw
- If Britain withdrew, there would be massive bloodshed, a proper civil war, and hundreds of thousands of Protestant refugees fleeing to mainland Britain
" What do we do? Arm the Protestants and get out. "
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