Willie Frazer Dropped As UPF Spokesman

Outspoken unionist and victims support worker Willie Frazer is no longer a representative of the Ulster People’s Forum (UPF), it has emerged.

In a statement issued on Wednesday night, the UPF said Mr Frazer’s comments over the past few weeks have been contrary to those of the Forum.

The statement said he had declined to attend a meeting to resolve the issues.

The issue stems from a disagreement between Mr Frazer and Jamie Bryson, who is now the only official spokesperson for the forum.

On 31 January, Willie Frazer stated his disagreement of a UPF call for union flag demonstrations to move to a "new phase of white line protests".

The call followed a PSNI statement which said they would arrest protesters who blocked roads illegally.

The white line demonstrations mean protesters are supposed to stand in the middle of a road but allow any traffic to pass.

"Unfortunately, recent statements made by Willie Frazer in the media are contrary to some of the views, plans and agreed policies of the Ulster People’s Forum," the statement read.

"We have invited Willie Frazer to various meetings to discuss and resolve these issues, unfortunately he has chosen not to accept these invitations.

"The Ulster People’s Forum no longer validates Willie Frazer as a spokesperson, and the committee stands over the statement made by Ulster People’s Forum on 30 January.

"The Committee wish to make clear that Jamie Bryson is the only officially elected spokesperson of the Ulster People’s Forum, and has their full support."

The statement added: "We continue to challenge the misrepresentation and deliberate lies presented about the Ulster People’s Forum as an organisation that is anti-peace.

"The Ulster People’s Forum is not anti-peace nor anti-catholic as some have suggested.

"The Ulster People’s Forum are working to create a peace that is equitable and just for all."

The UPF was formed in the aftermath of a decision on 3 December 2012 by Belfast councillors to limit the flying of the union flag at Belfast City Hall to designated days.

Protests organised by loyalists have been ongoing, and while many have been peaceful, some have generated into rioting during which police officers have been attacked with stones, bottles, petrol bombs and missiles.

Chief constable Matt Baggot announced today the cost of policing the union flag protests has exceeded £15m.

(IT)