DUP And UUP Urge 'Respect' For Apprentice Boys

The DUP and UUP have called for respect during this Saturday's Apprentice Boys of Derry parades across Northern Ireland.

Party leaders Peter Robinson and Mike Nesbitt have released a joint statement calling for the bands to "be allowed to enjoy a peaceful, respectful day out this Saturday."

The call follows a series of meetings with the PSNI and community and parading representatives from east Belfast, undertaken by Mr Robinson and Mr Nesbitt.

Last Thursday, the two party leaders met Chief Constable Matt Baggott and ACC George Hamilton to discuss their concerns over the policing of the Orange Order's return parade on 12 July in east Belfast.

They say both the Order and spectators sustained an attack on the parade from the Short Strand.

"We note both the PSNI and the Orange Order have committed to reviewing their respective responsibilities on that day," the joint statement said.

"There is currently a disturbing breakdown in communications at some levels, leading to a disengagement between the PSNI and the community, particularly the youth of the area. The police were already aware of this, and the Cardiff talks on community confidence in policing was a product of their concerns.

"We acknowledge the PSNI has admitted shortcomings in their operation on the Newtownards Road on 12 July, including their acceptance that:

- A large number of people from Short Strand attacked the parade as it passed Strand Walk;

- A large number of people associated with the parade as participants and spectators received injuries as a result of 'missiles' being thrown from Short Strand;

- The numbers involved in this attack from Short Strand and the quantity and type of missiles available indicated preplanning;

- The number of public order police deployed in the Short Strand was such that there was some delay in containing the attack on the parade;

- Without prejudice to any ongoing criminal investigation, the review established a lack of police evidence gathering capability in the Short Strand;

- The attack on the parade resulted in injuries to those associated with the parade including a number of young children."

Mr Robinson and Mr Nesbitt said they have asked community and parading representatives to organise a seminar next month in advance of all-party talks on the issues surrounding flags and emblems.

They said there are "attitudes that need to be addressed in order to identify a new, strategic way forward for all".

(IT/JP)