Following a meeting between a TUV delegation and the PSNI Chief Constable and other senior officers Jim Allister said:
“We had a robust meeting with the new Chief Constable and pressed him and his colleagues at the top of the PSNI on a range of issues causing concern with the Unionist community. We made it clear that it was not the job of the police to comment on politics and took the opportunity to challenge the anti-Brexit commentary which has come from the PSNI top brass in recent days as well as the calls for a return to dysfunctional government at Stormont. TUV left them in no doubt that it is our view that the police should police and leave politics to the politicians.
“We were also clear that the action of the PSNI in relation to a band in Londonderry displaying a legal emblem of a Regiment of the Armed Forces had been contrasted unfavourably with the perceived lack of a police presence at an IRA funeral where men displayed arm bands marked “D-Company” – a symbol of a notorious group of terrorists which murdered many and injured countless others. It was made clear to the PSNI that to treat displaying lawful insignia as potential provocative conduct while adopting a softly, softly approach when terrorists are openly supported on the streets does huge damage to Unionist confidence in policing. It was interesting to hear the police confirm that there was no complaint about the band on the day from any member of the public. We were pleased that the PSNI at least conceded that lessons could be learned in how the bus carrying the band home was pulled over and held on the side of the road for a number of hours.
“The participation of the PSNI in Belfast Pride was also raised. We pointed out that Pride was a political event and it was campaigning for a change in the law in Northern Ireland. The PSNI have no business taking part in a protest. We also made it clear that this damaged confidence in the police within the Christian community. The PSNI agreed that they will keep their participation in Belfast Pride under review.
“TUV reiterated its longstanding opposition to the reintroduction of 50:50 recruitment which would be a gross violation of human rights and were pleased to hear that there are no plans to revive the divisive and discriminatory policy.”