Protests against NI Protocol being planned - details of venues issued on social media - PSNI say they are ‘aware of planned events and are monitoring the situation’

News of the latest protest comes after a PSNI spokesman said that ‘police are aware of social media posts referring to upcoming planned events in a number of areas and are monitoring the situation’.

The post says the protest will be held on May 8 in Antrim town at 8pm - it asks people to “bring your own flutes and drums” and asks “supporters to bring union flags”.

Earlier it emerged that a protest is expected to be held in Larne this evening (Thursday).

A post on the ‘East Antrim Loyalist Combined Coalition - Larne’ which has been shared on social media says: “LARNE N.I. PROTOCOL PROTEST

“A peaceful protest will take place on Thursday 29th April in Larne.

“The protest will show the breadth of support in the PUL community for ending the Northern Ireland protocol which undermines the integrity of the United Kingdom.

“The protest will assemble at 7:00pm at Larne Cinema car park. The protest will then proceed to the harbour roundabout.

“Everyone should ensure that they adhere to covid regulations by wearing a face mask and maintain social distancing.

“PLEASE SHARE”

Days ago it also emerged that a protest is expected to be held in north Belfast this evening (Thursday).

A post from the ‘North Belfast Unionist Coalition’ posted on the Lower North Belfast Concerned Residents Facebook page says: “We have been asked to post the following statement from the N.B.U.C. (North Belfast Unionist Coalition).

*** North Belfast Unionist Coalition ***

“The North Belfast Unionist Coalition wish to notify the Unionist community and political representatives of a planned peaceful protest this Thursday.

“The details of the planned protest are as follows: *Assemble at McCunes Buildings, Shore Road/bottom of Skegoneill Avenue . Protest will commence and move off at 7pm.

“*This protest will be peaceful, do not attend if you have any intention of violence.”

It adds that the “only flags permitted are Union flags and the flag of Northern Ireland”.

“At the ending of the protest all those present must disperse peacefully and without hesitation.

“The N.B.U.C. (North Belfast Unionist Coalition) are representative of the broad scope within the Unionist community of North Belfast. We fully support the ongoing protests across the country and commend those who have taken part thus far.We now feel it is our time to put our shoulder to the wheel and stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Unionists.

“Our protest will be peaceful, we now call on all those within the Unionist community of North Belfast ,to join us on Thursday evening.

“We ask you to attend and voice your opposition in a peaceful and dignified manner to :

*The N I Protocol.

*Two Tier Policing

*23 years of Sinn Fein Appeasement.

WALK THE WALK.”

Another planned protest - posted on social media - is a protest in Carrickfergus planned to be held on Thursday 6 May.

Details about this protest comes from ‘The Loyalist Coalition’.

“We call on all Loyalists and members of the Loyal orders to attend a protest march in Carrickfergus,” says the post.

“Leaving Castlemara Estate, Thursday 6 May 7pm sharp.”

Meanwhile a third protest is expected to be held in Coleraine on April 30.

Another post on social media from ‘The Loyalist Coalition’ invites the loyalist community and loyal orders to attend.

It adds ‘This protest will be peaceful, those intent on violence can stay at home’.

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