The Five Demands

Police talks over UVF flags in Belfast (UTV)

Police will meet community groups in east Belfast to address concerns over UVF flags erected in the area.
Hundreds of flags were put up on lampposts over the weekend along the route of the 1913 Commemoration Parade, which takes place on Saturday.

Police say they are not related to a proscribed organisation.

A statement explained that senior officers will hold talks with the local community, politicians and parade organisers this week to address any concerns.

“Police are aware that flags are being erected in East Belfast in relation to the 1913 Commemoration Parade taking place next Saturday,” the PSNI said.

These flags are being erected along the route of the parade and are not related to a proscribed organisation.

PSNI
“Parade organisers have given their assurances that these flags will be removed immediately following next Saturday’s parade.”

Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has been contacted by angry local residents. They have told him the flags were erected in broad daylight by men using elevated work platform vehicles.

He said: “Residents who object to this behaviour were not consulted, the organisations concerned are regarded as paramilitary and government agencies have taken no action to remove the flags.

“How we mark centenaries with dignity is a challenge that requires strong and inclusive leadership.”

South Belfast MLA Conall McDevitt hit out at “the provocative flagging of a shared community”.

The SDLP representative tweeted: “The proliferation of UVF flags in South and East Belfast is counterproductive. It does nothing to build trust & damages community relations.”

However loyalist community worker Jim Wilson has defended the flags.

He said: “Basically look at the three faces that’s on it – James Craig, Sir Edward Carson and Freddie Crawford, two of them I think became sirs and they are a contribution to this community and this society. It is unquestionable by anyone.”

Parade organisers say up to 12,000 people could take part in the march this weekend which commemorates the formation of the original Volunteer Force.