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Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Owen Paterson MP's statement on the death of Lance Corporal Stephen McKee

Comments made by Owen Paterson on the death of Lance Corporal Stephen McKee of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment.

• From: Northern Ireland Office and The Rt Hon Owen Paterson
• Published: 11 March 2011

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

As the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and as his MP in North Shropshire, I was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Lance Corporal Stephen McKee.

Lance Corporal McKee was killed in the line of duty, serving his country and defending our freedoms.

These brave young soldiers have my wholehearted admiration and thanks for what they have done; the whole country owes them an immense debt of gratitude.

Lance Corporal McKee was a credit to his regiment and the nation . My most profound sympathies and condolences go to his family and his friends.

Published 11 March 2011