Will ‘loyalists’ heed British Army call not to fly regimental flags as a provocation?

Even the SDLP said that displaying the flag of the Parachute Regiment in Derry is ‘deliberately offensive’

FLYING the flag of the Parachute Regiment or other British Army units by unionist protesters is “improper” and “inappropriate, irresponsible and disrespectful”, the Ministry of Defence has said.

Regimental flags are being increasingy used by unionists at community interfaces following last November’s Belfast City Council decision to fly the Union flag on City Hall on designated days rather than every day.

“The improper use of regimental flags, emblems, motiffs is not only contrary to the high standards demanded and promoted within the armed forces but also inappropriate, irresponsible and disrespectful to the men and women serving with distinction,” the MoD says.

The Parachute Regiment flag was erected by unionists in a number of places in Derry in the run-up to the anniversary of the massacre of civil rights marchers by the Paras in January 1972.

Even SDLP MP Mark Durkan said at the time that “displaying the flag of the Parachute Regiment in this city is deliberately offensive”.

Foyle Sinn Féin MLA Raymond McCartney said:

“This is provocation and we need leadership from within unionism to ensure that these flags are taken down immediately.

“It’s only serving the interests of those opposed to the Peace Process and heightening community tensions in the city.”

In recent days, one of unionist protester Willie Frazer’s lieutenants in the Protestant Coalition, Bill Hill, has been photographed erecting Parachute Regiment flags at what The Irish News calls “a north Belfast flashpoint” as a clear provocation to nationalists.

After the Ministry of Defence statement, now nationalists will see if loyalists are truly loyal to the armed forces and the crown they claim to respect by heeding their call and removing the regimental flags.