LCC member tells MPs he 'wouldn't rule violence off the table' if NI Protocol remains

Andrew Quinn
By Andrew Quinn
Published 19th May 2021, 11:22 BST
Updated 19th May 2021, 11:41 BST
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A member of the Loyalist Communities Council (LCC) has told the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee (NIASC) that he "wouldn't rule out violence" if the Northern Ireland Protocol remains.

Joel Keys who is listed as a member of the LCC on the NIASC agenda for today's meeting, referenced North Korea and North America as examples to justify his belief that violence should remain an option.

"I am not sure if and when violence will be the answer," said Mr. Keys.

"I am just saying that I wouldn't rule it off the table."

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Pictured from left to right, David Campbell, LCC Chair, Simon Hoare, MP and Chair of NIAC and Joel Keys, LCC member.Pictured from left to right, David Campbell, LCC Chair, Simon Hoare, MP and Chair of NIAC and Joel Keys, LCC member.
Pictured from left to right, David Campbell, LCC Chair, Simon Hoare, MP and Chair of NIAC and Joel Keys, LCC member.

NIASC Chair, Simon Hoare, MP replied: "Do you realise Mr. Keys that is an extremely worrying and dispiriting answer?"

"Let me make it clear," responded Mr. Keys.

"I am no fan of violence and I think it has to be an absolute last resort.

"It worries me that we could potentially reach a point in this country or in any country where the people do feel they have to defend themselves.

"If we do look across the pond at America that very basic right of self-defence is instilled in their constitution.

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"And so when I talk about a point when violence could be necessary that is specifically what I am referring to."

Mr. Hoare interupted Mr. Keys to say: "North Korea is interesting, North America even more so, but we are focused on Northern Ireland."

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Related topics:Joel KeysLCCNI ProtocolLoyalist Communities Council

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