Anti-Israel protest at Scarva stokes tensions coming into the marching season
• Scarva parade raises serious questions over Parades Commission failures, policing costs and apparent breaches says UUP.
Ulster Unionist Aldermen Glenn Barr and Ian Burns have called for a full examination of the events surrounding Saturday’s republican/Palestinian parade through Scarva.
They have cited serious concerns regarding the conduct of the Parades Commission, the cost of the policing operation, and apparent breaches of the Commission’s own determination.
Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has written to both the Parades Commission and the PSNI requesting meetings to discuss the handling of the matter and to seek an update on the investigation into the alleged breaches of the determination.
Ulster Unionist Aldermen Glenn Barr and Ian Burns in a joint statement said: “While we are thankful that the day passed without serious disorder, that should not be used to mask the significant failings that led to this situation arising in the first place. The people of Scarva conducted themselves with dignity, restraint and respect throughout an extremely difficult day for our village.
“Residents, businesses, churches, community organisations and elected representatives from across the area made their opposition to this parade abundantly clear.
“Despite this unprecedented level of local concern, the Parades Commission chose to disregard the views of the community and force this parade through the village.
“The Commission’s role is to balance competing rights and minimise adverse impacts on communities.
“In this case, it failed to do so. The voices of local residents were repeatedly raised throughout the process, yet those concerns appear to have been given little weight in the final determination.”
The Ulster Unionist Councillors also questioned the financial cost of the policing operation.
“Taxpayers are entitled to know how much public money was spent policing this event. A substantial police operation was deployed in and around the village, causing significant disruption to residents and businesses.
“Many local people cannot understand why a common-sense solution was not pursued. The organisers could have transported participants around the village by bus, reducing tensions, avoiding disruption and removing the need for a large-scale policing operation.
“Instead, the authorities chose a course of action that imposed unnecessary costs on the public purse and unnecessary anxiety on local residents.”
“Further concerns were raised regarding compliance with the Parades Commission determination.
“The determination placed restrictions on flags, banners and emblems. Yet numerous participants were observed wearing Palestine Action clothing and displaying Palestinian flags throughout the procession through Scarva.
“Residents are entitled to know whether these apparent breaches were recorded, whether evidence was gathered and what action, if any, will now be taken.
“It is particularly concerning that the Parades Commission was prepared to impose conditions but there appears to have been little visible enforcement of those conditions on the day. Rules cannot simply exist on paper; they must be upheld in practice.”
Aldermen Barr and Burns also questioned whether lessons would be learned from the controversy.
“The Parades Commission must reflect on its handling of this application. The Commission’s failure to properly listen to and engage with the legitimate concerns of Scarva residents has undermined confidence in the process. A community that overwhelmingly opposed this parade was effectively told that its views counted for little.
“Businesses closed their doors, residents altered their plans, and a peaceful village was subjected to disruption that could and should have been avoided. The fact that no serious disorder occurred is a credit to the local community, not to the decision-making process that created the problem in the first place.”
The Ulster Unionist Councillors added: “We will be seeking answers from both the Parades Commission and the PSNI regarding the decisions taken before and during the event.
“The people of Scarva deserve transparency regarding the cost of the operation, the enforcement of the determination, and the rationale behind decisions that ignored overwhelming local opposition.
“This village has shown remarkable dignity throughout. It is now time for those responsible for these decisions to demonstrate the same level of accountability.”
Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has written to both the Parades Commission and the PSNI requesting meetings to discuss the Commission’s handling of this matter and to seek an update from the PSNI on the investigation into the alleged breaches of the Parades Commission determination.
Aldermen Barr and Burns will join Mr Burrows at both meetings.
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Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray concerned at Scarva tensions
Alliance Release: Alliance representatives appeal for calm ahead of Scarva protests
Alliance representatives Andrew McMurray MLA joined Councillor Joy Ferguson in appealing for calm ahead of marches and protests through Scarva that were planned for Saturday (6 June).
They were speaking following a determination by the Parades Commission that a Palestine march could proceed along the canal towpath near the village, along with approval for a counter-protest with restrictions applied to both.
Mr McMurray has said: “I had appealed for calm ahead of the planned demonstrations on Saturday. The Parades Commission exists to manage situations exactly like this one, and its determination must be respected.
“Whilst everyone has the right to protest, it was essential that participants on all sides follow the conditions set out, show respect for the local community, and cooperate fully with the PSNI.
“This was a moment for cool heads and responsible leadership. If everyone abides by the determination, there is no reason the day could pass peacefully.”
Councillor Joy Ferguson added: “Those of us who are political representatives have a particular duty to approach this issue with maturity and avoid rhetoric that risks heightening or inflaming tensions.
“The people in Scarva are understandably seeking to prevent a repeat of the unrest that occurred last year, and they advocated for calm and peace ahead of the parades. I urge everyone to show respect.
“After liaising directly with police on this, I called on all sides to abide by the conditions set out in the determination and to engage respectfully throughout.”
