Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“Monday marks the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the Great War. During World War One thousands of people, both Unionist and Nationalist, went off to fight for freedom in Europe. Men from Carson’s UVF and Redmond’s IVF fought and died together to preserve the liberties and freedoms which we can so easily take for granted.
“By coincidence Monday is also the traditional date for the Red Hand Defenders Flute Band parade in Downpatrick. In view of the fact that the parade coincided with the centenary of the outbreak of World War One the organisers applied for a parade to the town’s War Memorial for a wreath laying ceremony after which the bands would then return to the Belfast Road, an arrangement which I am told, the local PSNI seemed happy to facilitate.
“However, the Parades Commission have decreed that none of the 45 visiting bands can proceed beyond the 30 mile per hour speed limit on the edge of the town meaning that they will parade no more than a few hundred yards. The host band, Red Hand Defenders, is the only one allowed to parade to the War Memorial and everyone must disperse no later than 8pm – two and a half hours earlier than the time requested on the 11/1.
“Even by the Parades Commission’s standards this takes oppression of Unionist culture to a ridiculous level.
“Given the nature of the parade it is particularly insulting.
“It is ironic that an event to mark the sacrifice which was made for freedom 100 years ago to the day should be restricted in such a fashion by a Commission which seems to delight in trampling on the Unionist community’s rights to freedom of assembly and cultural expression.”