DUP MP Carla Lockhart calls on Hilary Benn to intervene in Gaza parade at Scarva - or let Drumcree parade home
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called on the Secretary of State to stop a “republican” parade of 1,500 people due to the length of the tiny unionist village – or apply the same standard to Orangemen at Drumcree.
The Lurgan Branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) held a 'Great March for Gaza' from Lurgan to Omeath last June.
As the parade passed Scarva on the adjacent tow-path, marchers with flags ran down the main street chased by dozens of riot police, with arrests following.
The village was to a large extent sealed off by police for some three hours as the parade passed.
There was much shouting between members of the parade and local residents as the parade passed last year.
A line of riot police kept the two sides apart.
The predominantly unionist village has a population of only 320 people. However unionists have expressed anger that the Parades Commission has approved what they see as a "provocative" and "republican" parade of 1,500 people marching half a mile along the tow path bordering the village on their way to Omeath on 6 June this year.
In a statement on Friday, Scarva Concerned Residents Group called for the Secretary of State to intervene after the Parades Commission gave the parade permission to once again walk the length of the village - subject to restrictions. Their call was echoed by UUP Alderman Glenn Barr.
It is understood police are planning a major operation, with Markethill Volunteer Flute Band planning a parade with 1000 people along the tow path on the same day. The commission has directed that it must not start until 2:30pm to keep the two parades seperate.
Now Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart said that if the Gaza parade is allowed to continue then she sees no reason why Orangemen at Drumcree cannot use their traditional route.
"I am calling on the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to intervene and address the growing lack of confidence in the Parades Commission and its decision-making process," she said.
She added: “If this is the precedent being set in advance of the summer parading season, then I look forward to the dignified, religious parade of the brethren of Portadown District returning home to Carleton Street by the route they have used for well over 100 years following their annual church service at Drumcree Parish Church."
A Northern Ireland Office spokesperson said: “This is an operational matter for the Parades Commission, acting independently of the Government. Determinations made by the Commission are legally binding. It is important that all involved in parades and protests adhere to the rule of law and abide by any determinations made by the Commission.”