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SDLP - PARADE AND PROTEST MUST BE REVIEWED URGENTLY Speaking after an SDLP delegation including Alban Maginness MLA, Alex Attwood MLA, Carmel Hanna MLA, Cllr Pat Convery, and Cllr Tim Attwood, met with the Parades Commission today to discuss a review of Sunday’s British Army parade and Sinn Fein counter demonstration, SDLP West Belfast MLA Alex Attwood stated: “We asked the Parades Commission to review the decision on this weekend’s parade and protest. We hope that they do. A review creates a method for everybody to step back and decide what needs to be done to ease the growing tensions. The SDLP did not support the Parade in the first instance, and didn’t support a protest in the second instance. However, everybody must face up to where we are now. The SDLP believe that steps can be taken to de-escalate present fears and unease. This would not be a ban on a parade or a protest. But statements can be made and actions can be taken to help diffuse the situation. Everybody, including the British Army and Sinn Fein, clearly have a responsible to do so. The last thing that people in Belfast want is more tension and anxiety in the run up to the weekend. This situation can be turned around. The SDLP will work privately and have conversations in an attempt to do so. A review by the Parades Commission can send out the message that everybody has more to do to protect community relations and help public order.” ENDS |
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