DUP Threatens Legal Action Over Union Flag

Belfast City Council could face legal action over its decision to limit the flying of the union flag over City Hall following an official complaint by the DUP.

The DUP claims the action made multiple breaches of the council's own equality scheme.

It said the complaint was "the first step towards a formal complaint to the Equality Commission and ultimately possible legal action.

"The DUP is committed to pursuing all political avenues to overturning the disastrous decision by Sinn Fein, SDLP and the Alliance party and to repairing the harm to good relations and a shared future it has caused."

The move follows the first meeting of the unionist forum – an initiative set up by DUP leader Peter Robinson and UUP leader Mike Nesbitt.

The forum was established as an attempt by the two unionist parties to encourage dialogue between unionists and loyalists angered by the situation at City Hall.

Today the forum meets members of the community in east Belfast.

Mike Nesbitt, Finance Minister Sammy Wilson and the Reverend Mervyn Gibson are expected to attend.

Brian Rea, chair of the policing board in NI, says he believes dialogue on the union flag issue will "bear fruit".

"I want to pay tribute to those who are endeavouring to take this by a different route," Mr Rea said.

"I believe the dialogue that has now commenced by the political leadership will bear fruit.

"Dialogue and not disorder is the way to resolve this."

(IT)