Ulster People’s Forum planning civil rights marches
Talks in Cardiff last weekend have done little to improve relations between the loyalist community and police, the Ulster People’s Forum has said.
The group, formed shortly after the Belfast City Council decision to restrict the number of days the Union flag is flown from City Hall, met on Wednesday night for what they described as “very constructive and positive” discussion.
A number of those in attendance had been ‘interned’ over flag protests, they said, and a number of civil rights marches have now been planned.
Last weekend a number of delegates including loyalist Jackie McDonald took part in talks in Wales on community relations and how to make this summer’s parading season as peaceful as possible.
But UPF member John Wilson said his community has lost faith in the police.
“The feeling of disenchantment with the PSNI is enormous,” he said. “One only has to look at the policing agenda to see it directed by a Republicanism.
“If the police want to genuinely re-build relations with the people in loyalist areas they need to actually demonstrate it.”
