'The language was wrong and deeply insensitive to many of those who lost loved ones.'
There have been calls for the Northern Ireland Secretary of State Karen Bradley to resign following her comments about security force killings that she made on Wednesday.
Initially, Bradley had said that "Over 90% of the killings during the Troubles were at the hands of terrorists, every single one of those was a crime. The fewer than 10% that were at the hands of the military and police were not crimes. They were people acting under orders and under instruction and fulfilling their duty in a dignified and appropriate way."
This was met with an intense reaction by the families of the victims of those killed by security force members during the Troubles, who had then called for the Northern Ireland Secretary of State to step down from her position.
On Thursday afternoon, Karen Bradley then issued a full apology for her comments:
"Yesterday I made comments regarding the actions of soldiers during the Troubles. I want to apologise. I am profoundly sorry for the offence and hurt that my words have caused.
"The language was wrong and even though this was not my intention, it was deeply insensitive to many of those who lost loved ones.
"I know from those families that I have met personally just how raw their pain is and I completely understand why they want to see justice properly delivered. I share that aim and that is why I launched the public consultation on addressing the legacy of the troubles.
"My position and the position of this Government is clear. We believe fundamentally in the rule of law. Where there is any evidence of wrongdoing this should be pursued without fear or favour whoever the perpetrators might be.
"That is a principle that underpins our approach to dealing with legacy issues and it is one from which we will not depart."
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