Solicitors for one of the north’s most iconic taxi companies are to issue legal proceedings against a cyber security organisation linked to British intelligence over false claims linking the industry to the IRA.
The directors of Belfast Taxis CIC, formerly known as West Belfast Taxis, are set to take action after delegates due to attend a British intelligence-linked cyber security event in Belfast were warned not to take black cab tours 'because they are run by the IRA'.
The CyberUK 2023 event, which takes place on Wednesday and Thursday, has been organised by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which helps protect from cyber attacks and improves internet security.
The NCSC is part of the British government's secret General Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), which is responsible for electronic and other surveillance.
It has been reported that Bray Leino Events, which is helping with this week's gathering, advised its staff in a briefing paper not to take black cab tours of Belfast's famous wall murals claiming they are run by the IRA.
Pádraig Ó Muirigh, of Ó Muirigh Solicitors, will now take legal action against NCSC and Bray Leino Events.
‘For over 40 years Belfast Taxis CIC has been central in respect to the provision of local transportation services primarily in North and West Belfast,” Mr Ó Muirigh said.
“The delivery of this community-based service has sustained thousands of jobs in times of political and social unrest while contributing significantly to the economic life of Belfast.
Taxi man fears for life after false IRA black cab claim
“The accusations made against Belfast Taxis CIC’s directors and its drivers are false, unfounded and defamatory.”
Mr Ó Muirigh added that he will “take whatever steps are necessary to vindicate our client’s position in relation to any defamatory comments made against them will not hesitate to issue legal proceedings where necessary”.
This week’s gathering, which has been billed as a "flagship cyber event", is expected to be addressed by several high profile speakers including British minister for security Tom Tugendhat.
Several British Cabinet Office officials, including Deputy National Security Advisor Matthew Collins and Tory MP Oliver Dowden, will also be in attendance,
Other speakers will include a representative of the US government.
Belfast born Lindy Cameron, Chief Executive of the NCSC, is also expected to speak.
It has been reported that Bray Leino Events has acknowledged that "statements made in an internal document for event support staff have caused offence" while an apology was made and the document withdrawn.
The NCSC also distanced itself from the offending document saying it was sent in error by a contractor and contains "significant factual inaccuracies".
