Former PUP leader says loyalists have lost trust

When asked why the LCC met government ministers, Ervine said “the real question is, is there any confidence in government? Is there any trust in government anymore?

“This means we are going to have these paramilitary groups continue in the background waiting on a time when they may be called upon,” he continued.

The Department for Communities confirmed that the minister met the LCC “to discuss economic and social deprivation in unionist communities”.

The LCC includes representatives from paramilitary groups the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) and Ulster Defence Association (UDA).

More to follow.