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Belfast Telegraph
11-08-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
‘People can't be allowed to act with impunity' – police challenged as MLAs slam some bands' behaviour at Apprentice Boys parade
Police have been urged to do more to address disrespectful behaviour by some bands and spectators at the Apprentice Boys parade in Derry. Mark H Durkan was speaking after several incidents at Saturday's event. An image was widely shared of a bus load of some visitors to the city urinating at a roadside on the Culmore Road. Similar incidents were observed in other parts of the city. The 'East Bank Protestant Boys Londonderry' paraded around the Derry Walls with a banner of Gary Lynch, listed in the CAIN Troubles archive as a member of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA). According to CAIN, Lynch was shot dead by the IRA in August 1991. Also on Saturday at the ABOD parade, the Tullycarnet Flute Band from east Belfast carried a banner with a UDA emblem on it as they marched from the Waterside area and through the city centre. Sinn Fein Foyle MLA Pádraig Delargy said: "Once again, visiting loyalist bands have shown a disgusting lack of respect for the people of Derry. "Those organising these events must take responsibility and ensure we don't see a repeat of these scenes and other offensive behaviour." Mr Durkan said that while the vast majority of people take part in the parade in good faith, 'we have seen a small minority creating issues over the past few years'. He added: 'These events have for a long time stood as hallmark of tolerance and respect in the North, but it must be reciprocated. Carrying UDA banners and openly urinating in local communities has caused considerable anger and upset. 'Police have a difficult job in managing these situations, but people can't be allowed to act with impunity. Where offences have taken place they should be investigated and the parade organisers should assist with that. I will be making that clear to the PSNI.' When asked to comment on these incidents, the Apprentice Boys of Derry General Secretary said: 'We'll be sitting down in the next week or so to thoroughly review all reports, debrief with the PSNI and our Marshal team, to take action as appropriate and to carry forward learning points on how to improve further for the future.' He was asked what substantive actions ABOD has taken after past incidents and whether any bands have been banned from attending. And why the Tullycarnet Flute Band was not listed as taking part in the main parade on the Parades Commission website. No further response was provided. In recent times a band wore uniforms in support of a man known as Soldier F from the Parachute Regiment, who is accused of murdering two men on Bloody Sunday. Separately, stalls were selling Parachute Regiment and UVF flags in the Waterside. Over the weekend, MLAs criticised the PSNI for arresting individuals, including a female pensioner in Belfast, for showing support for Palestine Action – the non-violent protest group who have now been proscribed by the government but are challenging that ban in the courts. Asked why no action is taken on recurring incidents at the Apprentice Boys parade, the PSNI said: 'Any incidents of concern or potential offences identified will be reviewed by police and appropriate action taken. 'A protest of approximately 150 people took place at Guildhall Square on 9th August. Two people have been cautioned at the end of this protest for being in possession of an item likely to show support of a proscribed organisation, Palestine Action. 'Policing decisions are taken impartially and within the relevant legal framework. Each matter has to be considered against the specific evidence available and when reasonable grounds exists to suspect a criminal offences has been committed, or is likely to be committed, police will take appropriate action.' Watch: Shrapnel damage caused to multiple houses as residents report 'loud bang' after explosion Governor of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry William Walker said: 'The Association has worked hard to ensure an enjoyable day for all in Londonderry for our Annual Commemorations. "It has been an outstanding day of colour and pageant, Commemoration and celebration 'Our thanks to the PSNI, Translink and Council departments we have worked with over the past six months and more to bring everything together and for their support in undertaking changes that have improved movement around the City for those on parade and for the general public. 'We'd like to thank the Maiden City Festival who entertained visitors from across the World on the Walls in St. Columb's Cathedral and in the Memorial Hall. 'Visitors have poured through the doors of the Siege Museum individually and on booked tours learning about the Siege, the Apprentice Boys and the City. "The Festival continues to set the mood ahead of the main event at the weekend.'
Belfast Telegraph
10-08-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
MLA accuses some loyalist bands of ‘disgusting lack of respect for people of Derry' after Apprentice Boys parade
An image was widely shared of a bus load of some visitors to the city urinating at a roadside on the Culmore Road. Similar incidents were observed in other parts of the city. The 'East Bank Protestant Boys Londonderry' paraded around the Derry Walls with a banner of Gary Lynch, listed in the CAIN Troubles archive as a member of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA). According to CAIN, Lynch was shot dead by the IRA in August 1991. Also on Saturday at the ABOD parade, the Tullycarnet Flute Band from east Belfast carried a banner with a UDA emblem on it as they marched from the Waterside area and through the city centre. Foyle MLA, Pádraig Delargy, said: "Once again, visiting loyalist bands have shown a disgusting lack of respect for the people of Derry. "Those organising these events must take responsibility and ensure we don't see a repeat of these scenes and other offensive behaviour." When asked to comment on these incidents, the Apprentice Boys of Derry General Secretary said: 'We'll be sitting down in the next week or so to thoroughly review all reports, debrief with the PSNI and our Marshal team, to take action as appropriate and to carry forward learning points on how to improve further for the future.' He was asked what substantive actions ABOD has taken after past incidents and whether any bands have been banned from attending. And why the Tullycarnet Flute Band was not listed as taking part in the main parade on the Parades Commission website. No further response was provided. In recent times a band wore uniforms in support of a man known as Soldier F from the Parachute Regiment, who is accused of murdering two men on Bloody Sunday. Separately, stalls were selling Parachute Regiment and UVF flags in the Waterside. Governor of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry William Walker said: 'The Association has worked hard to ensure an enjoyable day for all in Londonderry for our Annual Commemorations. "It has been an outstanding day of colour and pageant, Commemoration and celebration 'Our thanks to the PSNI, Translink and Council departments we have worked with over the past six months and more to bring everything together and for their support in undertaking changes that have improved movement around the City for those on parade and for the general public. Watch: Shrapnel damage caused to multiple houses as residents report 'loud bang' after explosion 'We'd like to thank the Maiden City Festival who entertained visitors from across the World on the Walls in St. Columb's Cathedral and in the Memorial Hall. 'Visitors have poured through the doors of the Siege Museum individually and on booked tours learning about the Siege, the Apprentice Boys and the City. "The Festival continues to set the mood ahead of the main event at the weekend.'
